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Say goodbye to aches and pains with these tried-and-tested fitness gadgets

Dragging yourself out of bed early in the morning can be a struggle, especially when crippling DOMS makes your muscles feel like you’ve gone 12 rounds in the boxing ring.

If you want to alleviate post-run pain, we suggest investing in a massage gun. These nifty bits of kit use percussive therapy to reduce muscle soreness, pummelling your muscles to promote blood flow to the targeted area, keeping your muscles feeling fresh.

We searched high and low to find the best massage guns for runners, with options to suit all budgets and athletes. In the Runner’s World Lab, we put each one to the test, making sure they packed enough of a punch to soothe aching muscles.

These are the ones that impressed the most:

It’s the closest you’re going to get to having a massage therapist at your beck and call, so that’s a big yes from us. That said, massage guns work differently to human hands, using a series of rapid percussive motions to pound your muscles and get blood pumping to them sharpish. This increase in blood flow can help calm inflammation and soreness, by helping remove lactic acid and waste products, aiding your recovery between and after workouts.

Massage guns can also be incorporated into your running warm-up routine to help loosen up your muscles and during exercise to help clear your limbs of lactic acid and toxins.

We’ll level with you, massage guns are pricey. The cheapest model on our list costs £53 and our winning gun will set you back £250.

The most professional machine we tried (the Theragun Pro) costs over £500, but it boasts a ton of features – six massage heads, five speed settings and an app – that not everyone will want, let alone need, so don’t assume that the most expensive gun will be the best match for you.

If you’ve never bought a massage gun before, it can be tricky to know where to start.

Serious athletes should look for a high amplitude. Measured in millimetres, this metric shows you how deeply the gun can hit and how powerful it will feel on your body. The punchiest models listed below have an amplitude of 16mm.

You’ll want a range of speed settings, too – at least three, but ideally more for tackling delicate, as well as robust, muscle groups. Opt for a gun that comes with a choice of massage heads, from the standard ball attachment to thumb, wedge and cones for trickier and more sensitive areas.

If you plan to take your massage gun to the gym or track, check whether it comes with a carry case for portability. Consider its size, weight and battery life, so you're not caught short without a charger.

In the Runner’s World Lab, our expert tester trialled a range of guns over a three-week period, using them after a variety of workouts, from running and HIIT to strength training and yoga.

They judged each machine on how easy it was to control and how smoothly it moved over skin without snagging. Each massage gun’s strength and effectiveness was also considered, as well as their design and how ergonomic their handles were, before final scores were awarded.

So, without further ado, welcome to the gun show…

With its neat carry case, the HoMedics Pro Physio certainly looks the part. And, while the box might be a bit too bulky to take with you to the track, this massage gun was unmatched when it came to recovery sessions in situ.

Our expert loved the innovative features, especially the ability to heat up the massage head to 47C for a hot pre-workout primer that encourages blood flow to the muscles. Alternatively, you can also freeze another of the interchangeable massage heads (there are six to choose from) for a powerful post-run cool down.

It was able to glide over their skin without snagging or causing any (additional) discomfort, and was surprisingly quiet in use — ideal for giving your muscles some much-needed TLC in front of the telly.

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

The MuscleGun Carbon won our tester over with its smart design and slick look that screams ‘I mean business’. It glides over skin while delivering a powerful yet relaxing massage and its lengthy, slightly curved handle helps you reach all muscles.

It comes with four massage heads and a bomb-proof carry case that neatly fits everything inside. The app is fairly basic but it offers some useful tips for beginners, as does the user guide. It’s quite bulky and weighty, and it vibrates a lot at max speed, but it’s a brilliant all-rounder at a reasonable price.

Key specifications Weight: Not given Amplitude: 10mm Speed settings: 5 Battery life: Up to 5 hours Included accessories: 4 massage heads, charger, carry case, recovery massage oil

When a brand boasts the likes of Lebron James, Naomi Osaka and Tiger Woods on its books, it’s safe to assume it knows what it’s doing. Nevertheless, we thought we’d better check for ourselves.

The new Hypervolt Go2’s compact design makes it easy to slip into a kit bag and take to the track or gym. But don’t let its modest proportions fool you, this massage gun boasts ample power and is able to move smoothly over skin while soothing muscles after arduous runs.

Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 0.68kg Amplitude: Not given Speed settings: 3 Battery life: 3 hours Warranty: 1 year Included accessories: 2 head attachments, charger and adapters

This versatile (and excellent value) massage gun gives its user plenty of control, with five speed settings and five massage heads to choose from. It can massage quickly and pretty fiercely, but our tester's experience was pain-free.

Its manual is helpful, and it comes with a USB charging cable for on-the-go refuelling. The chunky handle shakes heavily at full power, but that was our tester's only niggle, and lowering the speed is a doddle should your arm start to ache. Key specifications Weight: 0.68kg Amplitude: 9mm Speed settings: 5 Battery life: Up to 6 hours Included accessories: 5 massage heads, USB charging cable, carry case

If you’re looking to get started with percussive therapy, we’d recommend easing yourself in with the Turonic G5. It’s a great option for newbies as the controls are simple to use, and it comes with an in-depth instruction manual, including diagrams that demonstrate how to use each massage head on different parts of the body.

The unique range of heads earned a thumbs up, and we liked that you could use them with oil for a deep, relaxing massage. We did find the model a little bulky and heavy for our liking – it's certainly not one you can tuck in your pocket – so we’d save this one for thorough recovery sessions at home.

Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 762g Amplitude: 11mm Speed settings: 5 Battery life: 8 hours Warranty: 1 year Included accessories: 7 massage heads, carry case, charger, spare head gaskets, bag for heads

Designed by professional athletes and physiotherapists, the mighty Myomaster Pro is one of the most versatile models we tested. With eight interchangeable massage heads – the highest number in our round-up – the nifty device allows you to warm up your muscles and alleviate aches and pains in a variety of different ways.

It is a hefty machine, which means it can get a little heavy, but it certainly goes big on power (especially on the higher speed settings). It also comes with clear instructions on how to use each massage head, something our expert appreciated.

We found it dragged on our skin on the lower speeds, causing some discomfort, but that was our only gripe. All in all, a top-tier choice for runners who wants to fine-tune their recovery at home.

Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 1kg Amplitude: 14mm Speed settings: 5, from 1600 to 3200rpm Battery life: 3 hours Warranty: 2 years Included accessories: 8 massage heads, charger, case, carry bag, removable battery

Offering an array of interchangeable massage heads, five speed setting and a respectable three and half hours of battery life, the RecoverFun Plus is a savvy investment. Our expert was a big fan of the bullet head for tackling trigger points and the spine head for pummelling the lower back.

It is on the bulkier side but don’t let that stop you from taking it to the track or office. Not only does it come with a handy travel case, but it was also one of the quietest devices we tested, allowing you to sooth aching muscles without attracting attention.

It didn’t make for the smoothest massaging experience on the lower speed settings, but it gets the job done.

Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 1.13kg Amplitude: 13mm Speed settings: 5 Battery life: 3.5 hours Warranty: Device and motor: 1 year, batteries: 6 months Included accessories: 6 massage heads

If you’re a fan of foam rolling to reduce post-exercise muscle soreness, why not try this vibrating foam roller for a more souped-up experience? According to Hyperice, it will 'accelerate your warm-up, speed recovery time and keep you moving better', but does it live up to the buzz?

A resounding yes, according to our expert, who said they felt 'thoroughly massaged' after using it. The soft foam covering and contoured design allow you to get deep into your muscles without putting pressure on sensitive areas, and you can choose from three speed settings to find the intensity that’s right for you.

Note, it is pretty loud when placed on the floor due to the vibrations, but if that’s not a dealbreaker for you, we can’t recommend the Vyper3 enough.

Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 1.2kg Amplitude: Unavailable Speed settings: 3 Battery life: 2 hours Warranty: 1 year Included accessories: Charger and plug adapter

Weighing just over 500 grams, the Carbon Go is considerably smaller than its predecessor, the MuscleGun Carbon, but it has everything you need in a massage gun. You get four interchangeable massage heads to target different muscle groups, it packs a considerable punch and our expert raved about how well it glided over their muscles. Tick, tick, tick.

Given its tiny size, it’s the perfect travel companion – just whack it in your bag and you’re good to go. The only downside is the short handle, which makes it awkward to tackle hard-to-reach areas, but that’s a small flaw for on otherwise exceptional product.

Key specifications Sizes: 1 Colours: 1 Weight: 510g Amplitude: 8mm Speed settings: 3, from 2000 to 3200 strokes per minute Battery life: 3 hours Warranty: 2 years Included accessories: 4 massage heads, carry case, USB charging cable

This ultra-lightweight massage gun won’t leave your arms aching after a full-body massage. It reaches high speeds but is compact enough to address all leg muscles, which runners will appreciate. It’s impressively powerful, with one of our testers finding it too intense to use for very long.

You get four massage heads, but their quality slightly disappointed. On the plus side, the six-hour battery life is remarkable for the price and Pulseroll’s 90-day money-back guarantee feels generous. Give it a go, you’ll like it.

Key specifications Weight: 0.6kg Amplitude: 8mm Speed settings: 4 Battery life: Up to 6 hours Included accessories: 4 massage heads, USB charging cable, carry case

This beast of a massage gun claims to penetrate 60% deeper into muscle than rival models, so if it’s hardcore you’re after, look no further. It’s pricey at £375, but super powerful, and we highly rate its clever triangular handle that improves both reach and control.

It comes with five massage heads and you can customise the five speed settings in the app. Said app is excellent, offering warm-up and cool-down massage routines and alerting you if you’re using too much force. It’ll get you fighting fit in no time.

Key specifications Weight: 1kg Amplitude: 16mm Speed seetings: 5 Battery life: Up to 2 hours Included accessories: 5 massage heads, charger carry case

The compact size of this agile massage gun belies its power, making it a top choice for taking to the track. It instantly soothes soreness and feels very relaxing to use, but the unique wide handle takes a while to get to grips with, literally.

The provided charger doesn’t fit inside the handy travel pouch, so power it up before you leave the house. It doesn’t come with extra massage heads, but you can buy them separately. Although it won't reach tricky areas, it is pocket-friendly pal and great for on the move.

Key specifications Weight: 0.65kg Amplitude: 12mm Speed settings: 3 Battery life: Up to 2.5 hours Included accessories: Charger, carry case

Beginners unwilling to drop a lot of dollar on gear you’ve never tried before, this one’s for you. This affordable gun might not be a looker, but it’s surprisingly effective for £50.

It’s not the most comfortable to use, with poorly distributed weight, but it’s quiet enough not to disturb others in the gym. It comes with four massage heads and a charger, all of which slot inside the carry case. It lacks the premium feel of other machines on test but it’s a great entry-level choice.

Key specifications Weight: 0.77kg Amplitude: Not given Speed settings: 5 Battery life: Up to 1 hour 40 minutes Included accessories: 4 massage heads, charger, carry case

Get ready for the big one. This serious bit of kit is designed for all-over DIY coverage, with an easily graspable triangular handle and an arm that can be adjusted to four different angles. Six massage heads are provided, which some testers found excessive but pro athletes will welcome.

The app is very American, featuring tips for basketball recovery, but it helpfully tells you when you’re pushing too hard. Expect to wince when using it on shins and feet, but for easing back pain, it’s a star.

Key specifications Weight: 3kg Amplitude: 16mm Speed settings: 5 Battery life: Up to 5 hours, split between two batteries Included accessories: 6 massage heads, charger carry case

Despite reaching the highest speed of any massage gun we tested, this model isn’t very punchy, making it better suited to walkers and anyone looking for a relaxation tool. It’s a lightweight breeze to use but the round ball head has a tendency to drag on skin, which can be uncomfortable.

There are two further massage heads to choose from, allowing you to mix up your massage without making storage a headache. Casual users should find it ticks a lot of boxes, without making your bank balance cry.

Key specifications Weight: 0.7kg Amplitude: Not given Speed settings: 3 Battery life: Up to 1 hour Included accessories: 3 massage heads, storage bag

If you’re after something gentler than the more intimidating massage guns available, you’ll like this model’s variable speed dial for improved intensity control. Its extra-long handle helps you reach all muscles, even if you struggle with mobility, but this does make it more of a faff to store.

It comes with five massage heads and is the only machine to feature an effective, if ever so slightly creepy, four-finger attachment that simulates a human hand. Fitness fanatics may find it lacklustre, but it performs well for its price.

Key specifications Weight: Not given Amplitude: Not given Speed settings: Variable Battery life: Up to 3 hours 20 minutes Included accessories: 5 massage heads, charger