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May 26, 2023

The 5 Best Theragun Massage Guns of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Your tight muscles will thank you. We independently evaluate all recommended

Your tight muscles will thank you.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Shape / Reese Herrington

Whether you’re training for a triathlon or you’re just finding your groove in a new movement routine, one thing's for sure: You’ve got to dedicate time to recovery. From foam rolling to stretching to cold plunging, certain recovery tools can help your muscles rebuild and recover at a faster rate than just laying on your couch for hours, as tempting as that may be.

One of the most intriguing recovery devices on the market is the massage gun, a percussive therapy device that uses pulsing nozzles to increase blood flow to your muscles, releasing tension and speeding up recovery. While you can find plenty of generic massage guns on Amazon or at any sports retailer, Therabody has made a name for itself as the go-to brand for its premium massage gun, the Theragun. But with four different models and several generations to choose from, how do you know which Theragun massage gun is best for you?

To find the best Theragun massage gun, we asked our testers to put several different Theragun models to work on their tight muscles, under the supervision of a physical therapist. Testers considered the amount of pressure provided by the Theragun, as well as how easy it was to hold and use.

These are the best Theragun massage guns of 2023.

Therabody

Why We Like It: It has plenty of customizable features at a lower price point than other models.

It's Worth Noting: It includes fewer attachments than other models.

The Theragun Prime 4th Generation model won our testers over for combining the best of all Theragun massage guns — at a more accessible price point. The Theragun Prime includes five built-in speeds and a customizable speed range between 1750-2400 ppms (just like its more expensive counterpart, the Theragun Pro). It features the signature triangle design that makes Theragun massage guns easy to hold and use on yourself without straining or contorting into weird positions, and its stall force (read: the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls) is 30 pounds, which our testers found to be plenty powerful for the average user. Plus, testers found it to be quieter than the other models, a major plus if you’re trying to use it while watching television or listening to a podcast.

But the real cherry on top of the Theragun Prime 4th Generation is that it's $299 — an investment, yes, but still on the cheaper end of brand-name massage guns (and only a hundred more dollars than the Theragun Mini). That lower price point, combined with all of its features, earned it rave reviews from our testers.

"I would absolutely recommend this Theragun," raved one tester. "It's a great deal. I think it has all of the customizable features that the PRO models have, with the ease of use of the Mini. The price is just right, too. You're getting a decent-sized massage gun that's still lightweight and easy to hold. The design is sleek and attractive, plus it functions incredibly well and feels durable enough to last for years. A solid buy for anyone who works out regularly and who wants a recovery tool to add to their regimen. (And a must-have for anyone who gets sore regularly!)"

A few caveats: While the Theragun Prime includes four attachments, other models include more — so do your research and decide which attachments are important to you before buying. Also, while our testers found the design and weight of the Theragun Prime to be ergonomic, the Theragun PRO features a rotating arm for even more control over your massage.

Price at time of publish: $299

Maximum no-stall force: 30 lbs | Attachments: 4 | Built-in speeds: 5 | Total battery life: 120 min | Weight: 2.2 lbs

Amazon

Why We Like It: It's simple and easy to use.

It's Worth Noting: You won't be able to reach areas on your upper body or back without the help of someone else.

For casual exercises or those not yet sure if they want to shell out for more premium models, our testers recommended the Theragun Mini 2nd Generation for massage gun beginners. Its smaller frame is easy to hold, and with three attachments and three speeds, you won't get overwhelmed figuring out the optimal settings for your needs. One tester particularly recommended this massage gun for cyclists or runners, since it's easy to target those areas and apply the desired amount of pressure with the Mini.

"I'd say this was a stellar starter massage gun," concluded one tester. "If you don't lift or do anything truly hardcore, this is a fantastic little gun. It's portable and I'd say it's great for runners or anyone who gets a lot of leg tension." But heads up: If you want a massage gun for back or shoulder pain, you won't be able to reach those areas without the help of another person, thanks to the Mini's petite size and lack of handle.

Price at time of publish: $199

Maximum no-stall force: 20 lbs | Attachments: 3 | Built-in speeds: 3 | Total battery life: 120 min | Weight: 1 lb

Amazon

Why We Like It: It offers the most power of any massage gun we tried.

It's Worth Noting: It's a serious investment.

For endurance athletes, powerlifters, or anyone else working their muscles to fatigue several times a week, the Theragun PRO 5th Generation offers the most power of any Theragun massage gun on the market. In fact, our testers noted that at times, the pressure was too intense (especially for those with petite frames). However, with six attachments, 150 minutes of battery life, and 60 pounds of stall force, there's no doubt that this is the Cadillac of massage guns, with all the bells and whistles you could possibly need.

"I felt great after using this Theragun on various muscle groups," commented one tester. "I thought it was very effective at relieving tight and sore muscles. But I would say that it is pretty intense and heavy-duty. I would say someone would need to be super active or an athlete to make this worth it!"

Price at time of publish: $599

Maximum no-stall force: 60 lbs | Attachments: 6 | Built-in speeds: 5 | Total battery life: 150 min | Weight: 2.6 lbs

Amazon

Why We Like It: You can toggle between up to three preset recovery routines saved from the Therabody app to your device.

It's Worth Noting: It's not as quiet as other models.

If you’re concerned about the comfort or convenience of self-massage, our testers noted that the Theragun PRO 4th Generation was especially easy to hold and maneuver, thanks to its triangle shape and rotating arm. The rotating arm can be used to offer more precise pressure without uncomfortable twisting or reaching. It offers four extra arm positions to help eliminate any hand or wrist strain, which might make this massage gun worth the price tag if that's something you struggle with (or if you don't want to call in an assistant to help get that hard-to-reach spot on your back). And with 300 minutes of battery life in total, you can feel confident that this massage gun will last as long as your muscles need it. Heads up, this Theragun massage gun is slightly heavier than other options (but the difference is so small, you may not notice it).

"I do believe the device is worth it," commented one tester. "It comes with all the attachments and hi-tech features you could need in a massage gun, and it definitely has long-lasting durability. It's easy to hold and use and I appreciate the carry case it comes with."

Price at time of publish: $429

Maximum no-stall force: 60 lbs | Attachments: 6 | Built-in speeds: 5 | Total battery life: 300 min | Weight: 2.8 lbs

Amazon

Why We Like It: It's lightweight and quiet.

It's Worth Noting: It offers less pressure than other models.

If you’re constantly on the go or you’re looking for a massage gun that you can travel with, our testers recommend the Theragun Elite 4th Generation. It's the quietest of the Theragun massage guns, thanks to its QX65 proprietary brushless motor with QuietForce Technology, and it includes five attachments.

Plus, it comes with a hard-shell carrying case that won over our tester: "I liked the hardshell case, which has indentations for the gun itself and the attachments. It feels substantial, like it will protect the Theragun, which I appreciated (since it's expensive). While the hardshell case is a little large—you probably couldn't throw it in your gym bag without rearranging some things first—it feels protective, and you could definitely toss it in your car without worrying about any damage. If you wanted to bring this to and from the gym, the case could stand up to some regular wear and tear. I also like that it's discreet—apart from a small logo in the corner, it's plain, so it won't draw attention." Aside from its portability, it has most of the same features as the cheaper Theragun Prime, our choice for best overall, so consider which fits your budget better.

Price at time of publish: $329

Maximum no-stall force: 40 lbs | Attachments: 6 | Built-in speeds: 5 | Total battery life: 120 min | Weight: 2.2 lbs

After thoroughly researching each Theragun massage gun, we tested the six models available on their website. Prior to testing, we consulted with Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, owner of Marko Physical Therapy, to understand the features of massage guns and how to use massage guns safely and effectively. We then tested Theragun massage guns in our testing lab under the supervision of Monica Saliu, PT, DPT, Co-founder & COO of Tribeca Physical Therapy. Testers reviewed the massage guns based on comfort, effectiveness, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. Testers then took the massage guns home to continue using them in their everyday life for additional insights.

When shopping for massage guns, you might wonder which features are actually important for muscle recovery and which are just added bonuses. Here's what to know about different massage gun features.

Your massage gun experience will likely depend on how much pressure your muscles need. Theraguns generally offer speeds from 1700 to 2400 ppms (pulse per minute), and devices feature anywhere from three to five built-in speeds.

Stall force is the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls, or how powerful a massage gun is. A higher maximum no-stall force means you can apply more pressure before the motor shuts off.

Most massage guns come with a variety of attachments that offer different benefits for particular muscle groups. These attachments might be in the shape of a cone, a wedge, a "thumb," a large ball (for larger muscle groups), a dampener (for tender or bony areas), and more.

According to Saliu, Theragun dupes generally have similar features, speeds, and attachments as the real deal. However, the motor in non-Therabody models is much cheaper and usually loses power within a year, if not sooner. Therefore, you’re paying for longevity and quality when you invest in a Theragun.

The Theragun is also unique because of its original triangular design, which makes it easy to grip and simple to maneuver when treating various hard-to-reach muscle groups. Finally, the website notes that most massage guns only have 10mm of amplitude, but the Theragun has 16 mm to go ​​60% deeper into your muscles for more effective recovery.

Learning how to use a massage gun generally involves a little bit of trial and error, as Rahul Shah, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic spine and neck surgeon, previously told Shape. Broadly speaking, you’ll use larger attachments on bigger muscle groups (such as your quads) and smaller, more targeted attachments on particularly tight knots and/or on accessory muscles (such as your forearms). Learn more about how to use a massage gun here.

Always consult with your doctor before using a massage gun. In general, it's best to avoid using a massage gun in these circumstances:

According to the brand's website, you should clean your device with a magic eraser or with a lightly damp cloth. Theragun attachments, excluding the Supersoft, are made of easy-to-clean non-porous foam that can be easily wiped clean.

As the senior fitness editor at Shape, Kristen Geil has spent the last several years trying every workout under the sun, and she's got the sore muscles to prove it. Kristen is a NASM-certified personal trainer who regularly covers fitness products and tests recovery tools. She led the first-ever Best in Fitness Awards, the largest awards program in the industry, and personally oversaw the nomination process for products in 170 categories (including best recovery tools and best massage guns).