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Beat muscle soreness, back pain or just get your teeth chattering with the best percussive therapy and massage guns, from budget steals to professional favourites like the Theragun range
You want – nay, need – a massage. You spent those long lockdown months either perched on a dining chair or supine on your sofa, and it hasn't done your back/neck/wellbeing any favours. Ditto your decision to jump spine-first into bodyweight exercises. You might be back in the office, but you'll need a lot more than a standing desk to undo those knots.
That's why we've rounded up the best percussive massage guns on the market; deep soft tissue manipulators that help recovery, decrease soreness, improve circulation, address posture issues and help you get more out of your muscles. They're also pretty enjoyable, too.
Because the best massage guns are tools for recovery and relaxation. Something you use to get the most of your workouts, sure, but also the first thing you you reach for after a particularly stressful day of work (especially if you're still tapping away at a laptop on the kitchen table). It's a luxury, and one that you deserve in your life.
Problem is, there are just too many options out there. So how can you tell the difference and pick the right machine? We've got all the answer below in our tried-and-tested guide.
We tasked our expert health and fitness tester with putting the crème de la crème of massage guns through their paces, seeing which ones could pummel aching muscles into shape.
The Esquire editors have also chipped in, sharing the products that had helped soothe their long-suffering lumbars after months of WFH.
These are their top recommendations:
They’re designed to combat muscle soreness and aid recovery. It’s a deep tissue massage of sorts, achieved through rapid percussive movements that stimulate muscles, enhance blood flow and soften knots. You can use them while warming-up or post-work out, and they feel good too, hitting all the right pressure points that can enhance the production of endorphins. At the very least, massage guns can provide some short-term relief for problem areas.
“They may often look like power tools, but the benefits of massage guns include decreased muscle tension, relaxed muscles, and promoted blood flow,” says Dr Daniel Giordano, CMO of Bespoke Treatments. “We use one on a daily basis, and it can be used before, during or after a work-out.”
Once you've got one, what's the best approach?
“For warming up, the massage gun can be used to promote blood flow and circulation to warm up the tissue and to simulate the nervous system, prepping your body for activity,” says Giordano. “We recommend flushing (floating the gun up and down the muscle) the muscle area for 15-30 seconds, back and forth." When it comes to mid-workout treatments, a similar approach is taken. “During a workout, there are times when someone may feel tight and want to stretch between exercises, which may actually decrease their performance by negatively affecting their force output,” warns Giordano. “Instead try flushing the area for 15-30 seconds to increase blood flow and decrease muscle tension. This should excite the muscle, loosening it again for the rest of your workout." Massage guns can also potentially help you recover from heavy sessions. “Once the body is relaxed, you will decrease cortisol levels (stress) and create an optimal healing environment for recovery, getting towards an anabolic state of recovery,” says Giordano. “To do that, spend 90 to 120 seconds moving up and down each muscle group.” Some safety and best practise precautions: make sure you turn it on before you make contact with your skin, and simply rest the head on your muscles when it’s in motion. “There is no need to add excessive pressure or dig it into the body,” says Giordano. “If you find a 'trigger point' don’t dig into the area.”
Make sure to avoid running the machine over bones and joints, and if it hurts decrease the pressure. He recommends moving slowly across the muscle, around 1-2 inches per second.
To find out which massage guns cut the mustard, our health and fitness expert trialled each one for a three-week period, using them to prime their muscles and recover amidst a jam-packed routine of weightlifting, running, HIIT, yoga and more.
The guns were judged on their strength and impact on the muscles, as well as how easy they were to control, the effectiveness of the various interchangeable massage heads they came with and how easily they moved over skin and muscles. The practicality of the design, including how ergonomic the handle was, was also considered before we settled on our final rankings.
If it’s innovation you’re after, HoMedics has got you covered. This tech-heavy massage gun can heat to 47C, giving a hot massage perfect for getting your blood pumping ahead of a workout. Alternatively, you can pop the interchangeable ‘cold head’ in the freezer for a few hours then attach it for an effective post-gym cooldown — impressive stuff.
It was quiet and light for its size, making it easier to wield, and all six massage head attachments moved smoothly over skin without any uncomfortable bumping or catching. The carry case is a bit bulky, so it might not be one for those always on the move, but that was our only gripe.
Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 914g Amplitude: 10mm Speed settings: 3 Battery life: 1.5 hours Warranty: Returns of merchandise purchased from the website may be made within 30 days of receipt for a full refund of cost of the merchandise. Included accessories: 6 interchangeable heads (barrel head, cold head, ball head, arrow head, heat head and smoothing head) and storage case
Powerful and effective, the MuscleGun Carbon was able to glide seamlessly over our muscles, providing much-needed relief from some particularly unpleasant post-gym pain. It was the unique long, curved handle that really made it stand out from the crowd though. Our tester found this clever design granted them access to all aches, however awkward they were to reach.
The massage gun itself was a little heavy for our liking, and the handle vibrates when you crank up the speed. But, the selection of four massage heads, robust carry case, smart handle design and near-impeccable performance still earned it the runner-up spot.
Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: Not given Amplitude: 10mm Speed settings: 5 Battery life: Up to 5 hours Warranty: 2 years Included accessories: 4 massage heads, charger, recovery massage oil, carry case
Therabody’s Theragun range is, arguably, the most recognisable name in the massage gun game, and this is the jewel in the brand’s crown. And while, yes, we can’t deny that the price point may be high, this is reflected in the quality of the product. The hollow, triangular handle and moveable massage arm means you can reach any muscle without sacrificing your grip. The Theragun PRO also takes any guesswork out of the massage process, pairing with the Therabody App to create personalised recovery routines that guide you through the optimal speed settings, pressure and positions to use. It’s quite noisy (not one for a quiet recovery session in front of the TV) but if you’re dedicated to keeping your body in fighting shape, we think it’s a worthy investment.
Speed settings: 5, from 1750 to 2400ppm, plus app-controlled customisable speed range
Battery life: Up to 5 hours (split between two batteries)
Included accessories: 6 massage heads, charger, carry case
We’d argue that, a lot of the time, good things don’t come in small packages — case in point, these record players are on our Christmas list this year. However, when it comes to the Hypervolt Go, this age-old statement does ring true.
The pocket-sized gadget will easily slip into most gym bags, but it’s more than powerful enough to pummel your waning muscles back to their prime. The matt black finish gives it a premium feel and the massage head glides over skin like skis over fresh snow. We would’ve liked a case to come included, but the compact design and lightweight nature cement its portability credentials.
Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 680g Amplitude: Not given Speed settings: 3 Battery life: 2.5 hours Warranty: 1 year Included accessories: 3 additional plug adaptors, two head attachments (flat head and bullet head) and an 18 volt charger.
Therabody knows its way around a massage gun — products from its Theragun range take up almost a third of our tried and tested list. A step down from the PRO, the Elite will still grant you access to the Therabody App and has the same trademark triangular grip that proved so popular with our expert.
There are plenty of variables to play with, displayed on an OLED screen found on the handle, which we found made it much easier to control. It’s not short on power either, with Therabody claiming it can reach 60% deeper into muscle than average massagers, thanks to a hardcore 16mm amplitude. Similar to its pricier counterpart, it was far from silent, but that’s a small blot on an otherwise exemplary performance.
Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 3 Weight: 1kg Amplitude: 16mm Speed settings: 5, from 1750 to 2400ppm, plus app-controlled customisable speed range Battery life: Up to 2 hours Warranty: 1 year Included accessories: 5 massage heads, charger, carry case
As you can probably tell by now, we’re fully fledged members of the massage gun fan club. But, if you want to see what all the fuss is about without spending over the odds, this offering from RENPHO is your best bet.
It might not pick up many style points, but it does everything you would expect from a massage gun for under £100 — can’t say fairer than that.
The RENPHO Massage Gun comes with five interchangeable heads that move easily over muscles and provide a thorough massage. The handle does vibrate quite a lot, especially when it’s cranked up to the max speed setting, but that’s the extent of our gripes.
Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 2 Weight: 0.68kg Amplitude: 9mm Speed settings: 5, from 1800 to 3200ppm Battery life: Up to 6 hours Warranty: None Included accessories: 5 massage heads, USB charging cable, carry case
Our third and final Theragun entry, this small but mighty massage gun quickly became a favourite with our expert thanks to its natty design. The compact design makes it a cinch to pop in your kit bag and we liked the clean-cut aesthetic, though the solid triangular handle could be a bit tricky to grip at times.
But, if you want a massage gun you can take with you to the gym, portability is key, and it’s in this area that the Theragun Mini really delivers. Alongside its petite dimensions, it comes with a travel pouch for taking it on the go. It also scored top marks for immediate relief from soreness, so should be your first port of call after any high volume hypertrophy work.
Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 3 Weight: 0.65g Amplitude: 12mm Speed settings: 3, from 1750 to 2400rpm Battery life: Up to 2.5 hours Warranty: 1 year Included accessories: Charger, carry case
When your muscles have more knots than a Scout leader, you know you’re in trouble. Luckily, this massage maestro will make short work of these problem areas. And, thanks to its long handle, you’ll even be able to reach the back pain hotspots that plague your mornings.
It’s on the larger side and can be a tad cumbersome, but the controls couldn’t be simpler and boasts ample amounts of power, so you’ll be a percussive therapy pro in no time.
Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 1.1kg Amplitude: 12mm Speed settings: 4, from 1300 to 3300rpm Battery life: Up to 5 hours Warranty: 1 year Included accessories: 6 massage heads, charger, carry case
The MyoPro is set apart by the sheer range of unique massage heads that arrive with it. Eight easily replaceable tips are at your disposal, including the thumb (self-explanatory), the scraper (far more enjoyable than it sounds), the pinpoint and the bull, all designed to target different muscles and different discomfort levels. Then you’ve got the classic ball, fork, flat and soft options, making this the perfect device for those who want to fine-tune their recovery.
– Five speed settings, up to 3300 RPM
– Over 60 pounds of stall force
– Over four hours of battery life
The Theragun Pro, pricey as it is, was given that name for a reason. It's favoured by experts and sports staff, but your average gym-goer needn't splash out that much money. The Theragun Prime is almost identical, but provides five power settings with around half as much force, four attachments and a more than respectable 120 minutes of battery life. It connects to the same app and, at half the price, will still leave a big impact.
– Five speed settings, up to 2400 ppm
The cheapest option, but one that many professionals swear by (we first found out about it thanks to popular YouTube physiotherapists Bob & Brad). It doesn't reach the speeds that other options on this list do, and the five interchangeable heads are made from hard plastic rather than rubber, but it still does a good job on aching muscles. Just make sure you watch videos for advice on proper technique, and don't just let it ravage your calf muscle for half an hour (we say that from experience.) Cordless, once charged it can provide over two hours of service. It's not too noisy, either.
– Three speed and four power modes, ranging to 3600 PPM
Designed by athletes and physiotherapists, the MyoLite bills itself as "the world’s most compact muscle massager". It's a bold claim, but then it truly is titchy, weighing in at under a kilogram. That means you can reasonable carry it around with you at the gym, tucked away in your pocket, ready to iron out muscle complaints before and after work-outs. The amazing part is that it still packs a formidable punch with over 40lbs of stall force – not up there with the various heavyweights on this list, granted, but an impressive achievement none the less. You’ve got four speeds and four heads, and the machine itself is made from aero grade aluminium alloy, which helps to keep down noise and disperse heat. Combined with the six hour battery life and reasonable price, the MyoLite is a perfect option for casual gym goers, and a good additional device for long-time users who want an on-the-go option.
– Four speed settings, up to 3200 RPM
– 40lbs of stall force
Aesthetically, the Recovapro Lite is a departure from the pack. It comes in at 700 grams, making it a perfect on-the-go device (the brand markets itself at middle-aged users who want relief from arthritis, though the five speeds will easily deal with work-out recovery too). Available in white, grey, rose gold, blue and black matt aluminium, it also comes with four head attachments (ball, fork, flat and bullet), a protective carrying case and even a soft leather charging mat. A great choice for the casual user who isn’t after a supercharged, bulky experience.
– Five speed settings, up to 2800 PPM
For the price, you won’t find many packages that compete with Cotsoco’s. Eight massage heads (including cushioned shapes for sensitive muscles), seven speed settings that reach up to 3200 BPM, an LCD touch display and up to sixteen hours of battery life – this is as good a deal as any. The charging time can take between three and five hours, while the noise level reaches 50 decibels and the whole device weighs in at 0.88 kilograms. If left on for ten minutes, the motor stops to avoid overheating – which means you have to wait a little while before you continue. Also includes a handy carry case.
– Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with sixteen-hour lifespan
– Seven speed settings, ranging to 3200 BPM
The carbon grey Shavron massage gun has been a long-time favourite of ours, and for good reason. It packs a lot of power – five speeds up to 3200 percussions per minute, to be exact – and has barely needed a charge over the months we’ve been using the device (it delivers six hours of use on one charge). It’s a bigger model than many of the other options on this list, so if you’re after a massage gun that you can tuck into your pocket as you make your way around the gym, look elsewhere (having said that, it does come with a useful and protective travel case). You're provided with four heads, including one that stops you from pummelling your spine, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. What’s more, it’s surprisingly quiet. Top stuff
– Six hours of battery life
It's pretty tiny compared to other options on this list, and it simply isn't as powerful (27lbs of stroke force and an amplitude of 6mm), but the Addsfit Mini makes up for all that in sleekness, price and transportability. It arrives in a recyclable box with two heads, and is light enough to move around your aching muscles with ease. There are three power settings, but as we say, none of them get close to kind of impact a bigger model can make. Still, that won't have too much impact on people who just want some quick and easy muscle relief, and feel no need to dig into in-depth work-out stats.
– Three speed levels, up to 3200 ppm
– Six hour battery life
– Ultra-lightweight 360g all-metal body
Power Plate has previous when it comes to wobbly, vibration-orientated sports tech. The company created a series of muscle-activating balance boards, and now they've made the obvious transition to massage guns. This one is ultra portable and can be charged for up to 5 hours of power, making it perfect for gym trips.
– Up to 50lb stall force
There are a lot of budget options out there and picking the right one can be hard. The worst of them are loud, bulky and ugly, with a sci-fi-inflected design that belies the low-grade tech within. That’s not the case with Sharper Image’s device, an understated and powerful massage gun that’s often available at under £100. The first thing you’ll notice upon turning it on is how quiet and lightweight it is (that’s down the brushless motor), and the five attachments ensure that you can target any muscle group you need to. A great one to carry around with you at the gym, and the fabric case is one of the nicest we’ve seen.
– 4.5 hours of use per charge
The Lyric – which is currently only available in America – has been a long time coming, it must be said: a design-led, pastel coloured massage gun aimed at the wellness space. Using ‘vibroacoustic science’, this lightweight device (which comes with an extender) provides several options on its touch-screen – ‘Calm’, ‘Pain Relief’ and ‘Energise’ – which dictate the rhythm and intensity of your session (although that can also be adjusted). It connects to Wi-Fi, which downloads new wellness features from the brand, rests in an aesthetically pleasing charging station, and arrives with four attachable heads. If you’re looking for a massage gun that becomes part of the furniture, then this is the one to pick.
– Docking station stores attachable heads
– Available in five colours
– Four hours battery life
For many years now, Project Red has been working with brands to help fight pandemics across the globe. Founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, it initially targeted AIDS but now addresses the threat of COVID-19 too. Whether it’s through special edition shoes, tech or even cars (all proudly baring the charity’s red colour scheme), a percentage of the money raised through sales goes on to help people impacted by health emergencies.
So if you are going to go for a Theragun PRO – and why wouldn’t you, because we’ve ranked it as one of the very best on the market – then it might be a good idea to do some good in the process. In this particular case, 2% of the total price goes towards the global COVID-19 effort and the fight against AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
– Five hour battery life
– Rotating arm with ergonomic multi-grip
Aerospace-grade aluminium protects this impressive massage gun from overheating, meaning you can really make the most of its six hours of battery life and 3200 PPM speed range. At under £300, the Hydragun is one of the most affordable premium massage devices on the market, as well as one of the quietist at 30-50dB – surprising, considering the fact that it can massage with 12mm of amplitude at up to 53 percussions per second. We’re big fans of the design, specifically the ergonomic handle that sits at 99° to put less stress on the wrist. The seven massage heads include three steel options, for targeted pressure on large muscle groups, and it comes with an 18-month warranty too.
The massage gun market is a sea of matte black, so you have to appreciate any brand that tries something a little different (even if it just navy blue). LifePro’s Sonic model is a good mid-range option with some novel features, like the speed adjustor that sits at the top of the handle like a holster (five different settings are available, ranging up to 2,800 RPM), and the online video library that teaches you how to integrate the device into your workouts. What’s more, it comes with eight massage heads as well as a very generous lifetime warranty, and much like the Hydragun it has six-hours of on-the-go power (though it’s slightly louder, reaching 75dB).
Selling for almost £100 less than its older brother, the Pulseroll Mini is pocket-friendly in both size and price. The drop is mainly felt in product’s power – it tops out at 4000rpm, which is 300rpm less than the original – and the number of changeable heads is lower. But the Mini still offers an LCD screen and an impressive 6-hours of battery life, and its top speed packs more than enough might for a soft tissue post-gym massage. Nifty little travel bag too.
Key specifications: – Weight of 0.6kg – 8mm amplitude – 4 Speed settings, ranging from 1800 to 4000rpm – Battery life of up to six-plus hours – 1 year warranty: 1 year – 4 massage heads, charger, carry case
Affordable, extremely long, packed with a bunch of slightly weird looking attachments: the WAHL Cordless Deep Tissue Massage certainly stands out from the competition. And while it's not quite as powerful as the other options on this list, it does a job – especially in hard to reach places, like the lower back. All things considered, it's a good entry point for people who are wondering if massage guns are really for them (although good lucky carrying it around with you in the gym).
– Battery life of 3hrs 20mins
Bian stone treatment – a precursor to acupuncture, made with stone drawn from the river Si region of Shandong, China – was used in traditional medicine to help treat injuries and chronic pain, which is why Hong Kong brand Dr. Rock turned to it for their massage gun. The flat head warms up to 72°F while in use, which can help soft tissue problems and improve blood circulation, so the impressive 22-hour battery life comes as a surprise. Pricier than many other options on this list, mind.