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Oct 29, 2024

12 Best Massage Guns of 2024 | GQ

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Lifting. Running. Biking. Hunching over your laptop. Lots of things can cause sore

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Lifting. Running. Biking. Hunching over your laptop. Lots of things can cause sore muscles, but no matter the cause, the best massage guns can sometimes be the cure. A massage gun, if you aren’t already familiar, is a handheld device that uses percussive therapy to pound out muscles and decrease tension. “Massage guns are great and versatile tools that offer a portable and effective way to reduce muscle stiffness, relieve pain, and enhance athletic performance,” says Austin Martinez, MS, ATC, CSCS, and VP of Education at StretchLab. “They can benefit a wide range of individuals, from cardio enthusiasts to weightlifters and everyone in between, by targeting tight or sore muscles and supporting overall muscle recovery.”

Looking for a massage gun of your own? We treated our muscles to several rounds of percussive therapy from brands like Hyperice, Therabody, Renpho, and more to find the best ones.

The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 is our top massage gun recommendation. It offers a versatile assortment of five detachable heads; an easy-to-hold, pill-shaped handle; and three speeds of percussive massage—a true treat for the muscles.

Our reverberating muscles picked the winners. These are the best massage guns for warm-ups, recovery, and everything in between.

How We Chose the Best Massage Guns

There are a lot of massage guns out there. So we tested almost all of them. (Yes, we’re very relaxed now, thank you for asking.) Our main priority was general effectiveness—that is, making sure each massage gun does what its manufacturer claims. We also checked each massage gun’s durability and construction, ease of use, portability, ergonomics, customizable features (like detachable heads), “smart” capabilities, extra accessories, value, warranty, and customer reviews. Tired? Us too. Luckily, our muscles aren’t. Learn more about our testing process here.

Hyperice

Hyperice

The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 delivers a sweet, muscle-melting massage with barely any noise. Its five head attachments allow you to customize your experience, whether you’re working out a kink in your back or massaging your calves.

Product Features

The Hypervolt 2 is Hyperice’s base massage gun model—but that’s not to say it’s basic. The Hypervolt 2 boasts a sleek ergonomic design and a whisper-soft motor (so it’s easy to watch Netflix, talk on the phone, or listen to a podcast as you give your muscles some TLC). It comes with five different heads made of a firm yet forgiving mix of silicone and plastic that are easy to take on and off. Testers who run long distances regularly especially loved the fork attachment for massaging their sore calves and Achilles tendons.

Testers loved the Hypervolt 2’s pill-shaped, slightly rubbery grip, which makes handling easy. In testing, we found that its battery lives up to its advertised lifespan: a respectable three hours. One drawback is that it doesn’t come with a carrying case, so it’s up to you to find a good place to store the gun and its attachments.

Based on the “2” in the massage gun’s name, you might assume that it’s the upgraded version of Hyperice’s original model. You’d be right. What changed? Now, it’s Bluetooth-enabled—so you can start its pre-programmed app warm-up and recovery routines right from your phone—and lighter, at 1.8 pounds (compared to its previous weight of 2.5 pounds). It has three speeds of percussion that extend up to 2,700 percussions per minute (ppm) and 12mm amplitude (basically, how deep it gets into your muscle fascia). Hyperice does not list the Hypervolt 2’s stall force on its website, but a customer service rep told us it reaches 40 pounds.

Therabody

Therabody

The Therabody Theragun Mini packs a powerful punch in a pint-sized package. With three attachment heads and three percussive speeds, it’s proof that you don’t need to sacrifice precision for portability.

Product Features

The first thing we noticed about the Therabody Theragun Mini 2 was its design. It has an innovative triangle-shaped handle that provides a hefty grip, even though the machine itself is much smaller than the classic Theragun. “The light weight and easy-to-hold shape make this a mainstay on my living room coffee table—ready for me to work out the kinks of marathon training and too many treadmill miles,” says one tester. Our only gripe? The handle makes it ever so slightly tough to reach your back if you’re using it on your own.

Of course, the Mini still delivers plenty of percussive power: 2,400 ppm top speed and 12mm amplitude. Testers found that this made it feel comparable to much bigger massage guns. Another bonus? Its battery life. Therabody says it lasts for up to two hours at a time, and our tester only had to charge it every couple of weeks.

Sports Research

Sports Research

The Sports Research Sweet Sweat Therapy Gun proves you don’t need to shell out big bucks to score a great percussive device for your home gym. Its four speed settings, four attachable heads, and impressive speed make it a powerful pick for your self-massage needs.

Product Features

In a way, buying a massage gun is an investment in yourself (and your muscle recovery). But it doesn’t require an investment-sized purchase—and the Sweet Sweat Therapy Gun from Sports Research proves it. It offers four speed settings that deliver up to 3,200 revolutions per minute, or rpm. (Some brands list ppm as the measurement for speed; others use rpm.) It also has four attachable heads: flat for whole-body massage, “bullet” for specific sore spots, round for post-workout massage, and fork to get at deep tissue.

One thing to note is that this massage gun is quite loud. If you’re trying to pound out your quads and carry on a conversation, you (and the person you’re talking to) could have a tough time. It also has a rubbery overgrip handle that can sometimes slip and slide around. It’s possible to pull this portion off and just hold the plastic handle, which some reviewers say makes it easier to hold. Still, we think that’s a reasonable exchange for a trustworthy, durable massage gun at a really, really good price.

Amazon

The Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun has an impressively sleek design, but don’t be fooled—it’s the most powerful one we tested. It’s also incredibly customizable, with six attachable silicone heads and six speeds.

Product Features

If you’re primarily looking for intensity in your massage gun, the Bob and Brad D6 Pro is your best bet. It boasts an impressive 16mm amplitude, 2,500 ppm, and 85 pounds of stall force (or the amount of pressure the gun can withstand before stopping). In other words, it’ll have no problem getting deep into your muscles. This, however, doesn’t mean that it packs an actual punch: testers noted a deep massage feel, but no pain. Despite its power, the gun is relatively quiet—similar to a fan or air conditioning unit. That said, because it still feels decidedly intense, it may be better suited for serious athletes who put in a lot of time at the gym or the erg than a casual massage gun-curious person.

The D6 Pro has a touchscreen that allows you to change speeds with the flick of a thumb and a clever diamond-shaped handle that snakes all around the gun’s motor. Its ergonomic design always provides a spot to grab onto, though some testers note it can have a bit of a learning curve.

Hyperice

Hyperice

The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is the massage gun you take with you when you’re out and about‚ with its portable size and 1.5-pound weight. Despite its lightweight feel, it delivers a respectable percussive massage that our testers loved.

Product Features

Though it only weighs a pound and a half, the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 delivers a high-octane percussive massage using three different speeds that you can set yourself, or you can follow the preset workouts in the Bluetooth-powered app. Also like a featherweight boxer, the Go 2 is graceful. It does not pound so much as it glides (with emphasis) across the muscles with 10mm amplitude, max 40 pounds stall force, and maximum 3,200 ppm.

The Go 2 only comes with two attachable heads: a flat and a bullet. All the same, it’s “the best of both worlds,” says GQ’s Senior Commerce Editor Ian Burke. “A powerful massage gun with multiple attachments that you can (actually) fit in your gym bag. There's no better feeling than plopping down on the couch after a heavy gym sesh and blasting off while I watch Always Sunny.”

Amazon

The Turonic GM5 massage gun is a solid choice for anyone who’s drawn to its seven replaceable heads and five speeds—and is always looking for an extra item to add to their Amazon cart.

Product Features

The Turonic G5 is a straightforward massage gun with impressive add-ons. It has a whopping seven attachable heads—including two made of stainless steel, designed to use for oil massages—11mm amplification, and intensity that ranges from 1200 to 3200 rpm. It also comes with a carrying case.

If anything, the massage gun suffers a little from excess. (Are you really going to use it for an oil massage?) Some reviewers also note that its power button can be finicky and the machine doesn’t always turn off when you want it to. Still, it delivers a satisfying percussive massage. Its battery lasts for up to eight hours on a full charge—and it has an LED indicator that tells you when it’s time to plug it in again.

Amazon

The Pill by Revo is a dainty yet potent vessel for percussive massage. Its sleek, cylindrical handle makes it easy to stow away in a suitcase (or gym bag) for targeted muscle relief wherever you go.

Product Features

The Pill’s distinctive shape—it looks, as its name implies, like the kind of pill you see on your emoji keyboard—makes it easy to pack up and take on the go. It has no hard edges that might bump up against anything else in your bag and, at a little over 3 inches wide and 6 inches long, can fit into something as small as a fanny pack. The handle also makes it easy to grasp and direct to hard-to-reach places, like your back.

The Pill does not come with a carrying case. This is fine for the machine itself—it’s compact enough that you don’t really need one—but may be somewhat annoying if you want to bring the gun and all four of its attachable heads with you. It’s not the most powerful gun we tested, but for its size, we think it does well. It offers five speeds that range from 2000 to 32000 RPM, up to 40 pounds of stall force power, and 8mm amplitude. It also occasionally makes a rattling noise that can interfere with conversation.

Amazon

The Bondir R2 Pro+ massage gun, with its extendable handle and adjustable arm, is your key to accessing those tricky spots that usually require another person. It also comes with seven attachable heads—including one that’s heated—so you can treat each spot on your body with precision and care.

Product Features

It can be tough to reach certain places—like the center or lower portion of your back—when using a massage gun. Not so with the Bondir R2. It comes with a 6-inch handle extension that makes the device more than a foot wide, plus a textured grip that allows you to move it around with ease. It also has an adjustable arm that controls the angle of the head you’re using, so you can get at your muscles from just the right place.

The Bondi R2 offers three speeds (1980 rpm, 2580 rpm, and 3180 rpm) and 35-pound stall force, making it a reasonably powerful device. At 3.9 pounds, it’s on the heavier side of massage guns we tested, but we think this slight extra weight is justified by its maneuverability. It also offers seven attachable heads (and a carrying case to keep all the accessories organized). Most are your standard round-, flat-, and bullet-shaped options, but it also has a flat head that heats up with its temperature ranging from 112 to 140 degrees. This makes for a sweet, heated treat in spots you ordinarily may not be able to reach.

Opove

The Opove M3 Pro massage gun is a simple, no-frills device that massage gun newbies will especially value. Its five adjustable speeds and long battery life make for a minimal learning curve—and lots of enjoyment.

Product Features

Just getting into the massage gun game? The Opove M3 is a nice place to start. It’s about as quintessential as a massage gun gets, with its T-shaped design, six attachable heads, and speed that reaches up to 2500 rpm and 70 pounds stall force without making too much noise. This makes for a deep yet comfortable massage that’s ideal for newbies. It’s easy to change its speed, too, by toggling the button at its base.

At 2.4 pounds, the Opove M3 is in the Goldilocks weight range—not too light, not too heavy. It also comes with a carbon fiber carrying case that makes storing the different heads and charger easy. Some reviewers note that the battery life can be hit or miss. Though it may last for three hours on a full charge, it can sometimes lose its ability to hold a charge and go dead after a period of inactivity. Still, it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with massage guns.

Theragun

Therabody

The Therabody Theragun Pro Plus is a powerful, luxurious massage gun with every bell and whistle included: vibration therapy, heat therapy, LED light therapy, and a biometric sensor that checks your heart rate.

Product Features

The Theragun Pro Plus transforms at-home massage gun sessions from a treat into a true gift. Its “standard” percussive features include three vibration speeds (with a maximum of 2400 ppm), 16mm amplitude, 60 pounds stall force, and five attachable silicone heads. Then, there are the extras: Heat therapy with three temperature levels (113 degrees, 122 degrees, and 131 degrees) that works with any of the included heads, a biometric sensor that monitors your heart rate (perfect for when you plug into a guided routine in the app), and near LED light therapy that may boost muscle recovery. The massage gun also has an LCD screen that tells you exactly what the machine is doing. (With so many options, you might need a reminder.)

Truthfully, the Pro Plus has so many extras that a lot of people will find it a little, well, extra. But that doesn’t diminish its niftiness. “The heat attachment combined with LED light is next-level for my recovery after long runs, and I love having an easy-to-read screen that guides me through my saved recovery routines and shows me exactly how long and how intense my massage is,” says one of our testers. If you’re an endurance athlete running long distances or racking up mileage on your exercise bike—or just really serious about turning up the heat on your muscle recovery—you’ll get a lot out of the Theragun Pro Plus.

Renpho

Amazon

The Renpho Thermacool offers a lot in one sleek package. It’s a solid option for anyone who wants a classic massage gun experience with a little extra heating and cooling.

Product Features

Both heat and cold can be valuable for muscle warm-ups and recovery. Heat can improve your range of motion (ROM) when stretching, according to one systematic review, which may help prevent injury. And both heat and cold therapy have been shown to be effective in reducing muscle damage and pain when applied during a recovery period. This means that Renpho’s Thermacool can be a handy part of anyone’s recovery routine. Its temperature-controlled add-on head heats up to 113 degrees and cools down to 47 degrees. Both are controlled with four preset temp levels.

Beyond its heating and cooling capabilities, it’s just a nice massage gun. It has five speeds that range up to 3200rpm, 45-pound stall force, and six attachable heads. It’s also easy to hold, with a solid, built-in grip. Some reviewers note that the battery doesn’t always hold a charge (especially as the device gets older). But other than that, it’s an a massage gun that does it all.

Kica

The Kica Evo is the Swiss Army Knife of massage guns, with an adjustable arm, retractable handle, and six different head attachments. It also has heating capability that turns the flat head into a heated compress.

Product Features

The Kica Evo is the perfect vessel to choose your own massage gun adventure. It looks like a classic, L-shaped massage gun—but the twist is that it has an adjustable arm and extendable handle that allows the head to fold in and out for just-right angles and easy storage. It comes with six different head attachments and uses its motor to create heat when prompted. It also has three speeds that range up to 3200 rpm.

One thing to note is that the Kica’s handle is made out of a metallic material that gives it a sleek, somewhat slippery feel. This can make it hard to grasp, especially if you’ve extended it to use at a specific angle to get to your back. Some reviewers also note that the device can feel somewhat stutter-y, and doesn’t “glide” as well as other massage guns. Still, it’s an amazingly versatile machine that’s perfect for accessing tricky spots.

There was a lot to consider in our search for the best massage guns. In our testing phase, we sourced the opinions of a few people who are accustomed to dealing with sore, stiff muscles—including an endurance runner and a weightlifter—who tested the devices on this list for a variety of factors. Our main priority was overall performance—that is, if the massage gun’s advertised specs and features match up to real-life experience. We also looked at durability, materials used, size, style, and warranty. As for massage gun-specific factors, we considered each device’s PPM/RPM, stall force, amplitude, head attachments, extras, and customization.

During testing, we also gathered insights from medical and fitness experts, including a sports medicine physician, doctor of physical therapy (DPT), and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). These experts helped us get deep into the research behind massage guns as a whole—their benefits, drawbacks, and what to consider when you’re buying one—so you’re well-informed when you make your decision.

For more information on how we test fitness equipment like massage guns, take a look at our testing methodology.

Not sure if a massage gun is right for you? The benefits of self-directed percussive massage may win you over. These include increased blood circulation, better muscle recovery and function, muscle pain relief, myofascial release, and increased flexibility. Anecdotally, many testers noted that they also just feel really good. Below, we get into each massage gun benefit.

Increased blood circulation

Massage guns are an excellent way to get the blood flowing in the area where you use them. “By using percussive therapy, [massage guns] increase blood flow to muscles, which aids post-exercise recovery and improves muscle function,” says Martinez. This increased circulation may be caused by the vibrational effect of the massage gun, according to a study that evaluated the effect of massage guns on healthy, recreationally active university students.

Releasing trigger points

Percussive therapy can help tackle trigger points, or a “hyper irritable tight band of a muscle,” according to Tim Garrison, DPT and CMTPT at FYZICAL South Fredrick. By using different head attachments—like, for example, the bullet-shaped attachment that comes with most massage guns—you can target your trigger points, “Use of the massage gun is to break down trigger points and restore blood flow and the pH levels of the tissue,” Garrison says. “Removing trigger points helps the body strengthen and function normally.”

Improved muscle recovery and function

By improving circulation, massage guns may also enhance muscle recovery and function. One systematic review that included 11 different studies found massage guns to be “cost-effective” instruments for reducing muscle stiffness, improving range of motion (ROM), and improving strength when used in a post-workout routine. “Overall, they are a great recovery tool to have on hand,” says Martinez.

Muscle pain relief

Massage guns may also help reduce two forms of muscle-related pain. The first is delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) from working out. Because your muscles experience hundreds of tiny tears during a workout, the increased blood flow from the vibration treatment can reduce any accompanying inflammation and pain, according to one study. Percussive therapy can also help reduce musculoskeletal pain (pain that affects the muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones), according to a systematic review.

Increased flexibility

“Soft tissue including muscle and tendon tightens over time,” says Jordan Metzl, MD, a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery. “This is a natural product of aging but also can happen after extreme bouts of exercise.” When your muscles are feeling taut—whether it’s from working out or good ol’ aging—massage guns can help. The systematic review that found massage guns help improve muscle recovery also found that percussive therapy improved flexibility in the iliopsoas, hamstrings, triceps suralis, and posterior chain.

The best massage gun for you depends on, well, you: your experience with massage guns, your desired massage intensity, your budget, and more. Here are some factors to consider as you pick out your massage gun.

Intensity

With intensity, the most important factor is not its force but its range. “It's important to have options so you can adjust the pressure to what feels best for you,” says Martinez.

Massage gun intensity can be measured in three ways: percussions per minute (ppm) or revolutions per minute (rpm), stall force, and amplitude. If a massage gun has adjustable settings, you’ll be able to control the speed but not the other factors.

It’s important to note that a massage gun with a higher ppm/rpm, stall force, or amplitude doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best massage gun—it’s just more intense than others.

Noise Level

Some massage guns are remarkably quiet. Others aren’t. “Typically, the higher end brands will have a better noise level,” says Garrison. Think about where your desires fall on the decibel scale. If you’re planning to use your massage gun while watching TV or carrying on a conversation, you may want to prioritize a lower-noise massage gun.

Head Attachments

All the massage guns we tested come with a few different head attachments. The standard shapes are round, flat, and fork. If possible, look for ones that allow you to hit different muscle groups and ease gently into your massage gun journey. “If you're new to using [massage guns], it’s a good idea to start with a model that has softer, larger attachments, like the cushioned head, to spread out the pressure more gently,” says Martinez.

Extras and Customizations

Bonus features don’t make or break a massage gun. But some nice-to-haves for some people—like an included case, extendable handle, accompanying app with Bluetooth connectivity, near LED light therapy, and hot and cold attachments—could be a must-have for you. Because of that, we noted every extra bell and whistle that did (or didn’t) come with the massage guns we tested.

Massage guns have a lot of benefits—but to reap them, you need to know how to use your percussive therapy device properly. Here’s how:

Pick your attachment

Select the massage gun head that works best for the area you want to target. In general, a ball (or round) attachment is best for larger muscles, like the quads, glutes, hamstrings and back. Bullet heads and forks can be used for trigger points, knots, and areas around the spine.

Hold your gun toward the bottom of the handle

Starting with a solid grip will help enhance your massage gun experience. “Many massage guns have some weight to them and are balanced in the way they feel. So, you should hold the bottom of the handle towards the base and don’t choke up,” says Garrison.

Apply direct (but light) pressure

When you bring your massage gun to your muscles, make sure to meet it head-on. “The key here is to get a 90° angle between the gun and your body, says Metzl. “That's the best way to apply direct pressure in a targeted area.” Of course, you don’t want to apply too much pressure to the area—instead, keep it light so you can feel a percussive effect but no pain. Then, glide it gently over your muscles.

Don’t overdo it

You don’t need to use the gun for a long time to see its benefits—and overuse could cause strain and irritation. Garrison recommends only a couple of minutes on each muscle group.

Avoid bones, joints, and nerves

Massage guns are great on soft tissue. However, they can vibrate when they come in contact with bone and cause discomfort, according to Metzl. “Avoid anywhere a therapist would not massage,” says Garrison. He recommends steering clear of the skull and front of the neck, too. There’s also a nerve on the side of your leg—the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve—that’s “similar to the funny bone in the elbow,” says Garrison. “Avoid that.” In general, if the massage gun causes pain (beyond the feels-so-good kind) it’s best to set it down, avoid that area, and consult with a pro before starting up again.

What is the best type of massage gun?

The best type of massage gun is the one that’s best for you. Consider factors like intensity, noise level, head attachments, and other extra features. We like the Hyperice Hypervolt 2, but another massage gun may be best for you depending on your preferences.

What are the disadvantages of a massage gun?

Massage guns can cause pain if they come up against bone—especially if you’re using an attachment with metal or plastic tip. They can also aggravate certain injuries. “I don’t typically use them for acute injuries such as impact from a car accident or an acute concussion,” says Garrison. Massage guns can be quite noisy, too.

Can you use a massage gun every day?

“Daily use of a massage gun should not be an issue for the average person so long as proper hydration, nutrition and rest are taken into account,” says Martinez. However, he also cautions against “overusing” the gun on the same muscle group. This can cause muscle irritation. If you’re not sure how often you should be using a massage gun, check with a healthcare provider.

How much should I spend on a massage gun?

The amount you spend on a massage gun depends on you and your budget. Some massage guns are an investment; others are less expensive and don’t require as much of a commitment. Luckily, both expensive and inexpensive massage guns can be a fantastic option, depending on your needs.

Austin Martinez, MS, ATC, CSCS, is a Flexologist™ and the VP of Education at StretchLab. His experience is primarily with collegiate and pro-level athletes. He’s also a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Far West Athletic Trainers Association (FWATA), and is a published author in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences for his research on ACL Injuries.

Tim Garrison, DPT and CMTPT, is a partner at Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers in Frederick, Maryland. He has practiced physical therapy for more than 18 years, specializing in orthopedica, vestibular, and concussion care.

Jordan Metzl, MD, is a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery. In addition to his work with athletes, Dr. Metzl is an author and columnist. His books include The Young Athlete and The Athlete’s Book of Home Remedies. He’s also the sports medicine consultant to the Radio City Rockettes.

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