13 best massage guns 2024, reviewed by fitness-obsessed editors
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If you haven't already, say hello to massage guns – or percussive therapy devices, if we're being fancy. These little (or large, depending on budget) wizard-like pieces of tech are a saving grace for poor tired muscles and aching bodies. The popularity of them only continues to grow too – the global massage gun market is expected to grow by $230.07m between 2021 and 2026.
Many of us are guilty of slumping over our desks, leaving us sore, aching and stiff – and working out can have the same impact. Whether you're working out at home, outdoors or in the gym, the truth is post-strengthening/cardio stiffness is real, so using a massage gun can aid in speedy recovery. Even pro-athletes are into them. Sure, in an ideal world, we would book in for a proper full-on massage or physio session, but best massage guns are a more affordable way to help relax and soothe muscles whenever and wherever you need it. Committing to regular sessions with a masseuse is neither cost-effective or realistic (sadly).
In short, a massage gun is about to become your new wellness BFF. Here's everything you need to know about massage guns and percussive muscle therapy.
SKIP TO: How we tested | Our full reviews | What is percussive massage therapy? | What are the benefits of using a massage gun? | How to use a massage gun? | Should you use a massage gun every day? | What to consider before shopping.
Meet the experts:
- Mikey Smith, a personal trainer at luxury health club Third Space London. He has almost twenty years experience in the fitness industry, having begun as a track sprinter before moving into competitive bodybuilding – winning national titles in the process - and now promoting a holistic approach to training.
- Demi Knight, a personal trainer and events manager at LUMI Therapy.
Best massage guns 2024 at a glance – our top picks:
- Best Overall: Theragun Pro, £469
- Best Affordable: Lola Massage Gun, £79.95
- Best For Athletes: MyoMaster MyoPro, £168.28
- Best Mini Massage Gun: Theragun Mini, £175
How we tested the best massage guns:
Our editors are fitness experts who have taken the time to test not only the best percussion massage guns on the market – but cross-trainers, treadmills, rowing machines, dumbbells, yoga pants and running trainers, too. We know what it takes for fitness equipment to be crowned the ‘best’, so our testers – including our European Editorial Director and Senior European Commerce Editor – scored the gadgets in this roundup on ease of assembly, durability, massage experience, comfort, aesthetics, weight and value for money. Plus extra features like a range of attachments, variety of speed settings, included accessories, portability, display screen and ease of use.
What is percussive massage therapy?
The best massage guns use percussive muscle therapy to sore muscles and increase blood flow - but what actually is percussive muscle therapy? “Percussive therapy involves using a device, such as a massage gun, to deliver concentrated, rapid pulses of pressure to soft tissue,” explains Mikey Smith, a personal trainer at luxury health club Third Space London. Rapid, concentrated pulsating movements are applied, most often via a massage gun, to the muscles and soft tissues of the body, says Demi Knight, a personal trainer and events manager at LUMI Therapy. Whether that's in your back, shoulders or legs, it helps to release the muscle knots that cause aching and stiffness.
Massage guns, popular in sports therapy, also allow you to reach deeper layers of muscles tissue than foam rollers or human hands ever could, and depending on the device you choose, percussive therapy has a frequency of 22-40 hertz which means it'll pound the area 22-40 times per second.
What are the benefits of using massage guns?
Thanks to the percussive therapy used by the best massage guns, they boast tonnes of massage gun benefits which make them well worth your money. And you don't have to be a fitness fanatic to reap them.
Percussion therapy accelerates and enhances the repair of muscle fibre by providing rapid bursts of pressure in concentrated, short-duration pulses deep into the tissues of the body.
You know that sore, stiff feeling the day after a workout that leaves you struggling to walk? That's delayed onset muscle soreness - or DOMS - which occurs when you exert your muscles beyond what they're used to. They're annoying and they're painful, but the good news? A massage gun can help you with that. “Massage guns are used on targeted areas of the body to help ease muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and reduce soreness," says Smith, adding that they are most commonly used as a post-workout recovery tool. “Other benefits include relief of pain and discomfort with a stress relieving effect,” he says.
Whether on the lowest setting or highest setting, the repetitive vibrations of the massage gun stimulate blood circulation – and better blood equals faster travelling of oxygen and nutrients which leads to a faster recovery period. What's more, the vibrations will disrupt the pain signals that the brain sends to your body, reducing the aching you endure. Sounds good, doesn't it?
“These devices promote a sense of relaxation and when used over time over time can help improve flexibility and mobility,” shares Smith. How's that, you may ask. Well, it's because improved blood circulation through the muscles will result in a better range of motion over time. Once your muscles become flexible, they won’t be as prone to injuries and pains as they were before. “[Using a massage gun] also provides a gentle stretch that in turn enhances flexibility, performance and physical response,” says Knight.
Three months in, these are my thoughts.
Using a massage gun on specific areas of your body – like your glutes or hamstrings – will improve lymphatic flow. Just like dry body brushing does in your skincare routine. When the number of muscle knots is reduced, draining in the lymphatic system will be better. And when your lymph modes move more freely, the body can excrete toxins and waste effectively, in turn resulting in a better immune system. It's a domino effect.
How do you use a massage gun?
If you already warm up, cool down and use a foam roller, you might be left wondering when to throw a massage gun into the mix - but using a massage gun can enhance both your warm-up and cool down.
“A massage gun is commonly used within 30 minutes after a workout finishes, to assist recovery," explains Smith. “Others also use it as part of their warm-up routine to prepare the body for activity.” In fact, according to research by Runner's World, if you apply your massage gun to the muscles you want to stretch in your warm-up and then stretch them, you can increase the range of motion 50-80% in 30 seconds. Your stretching will be vastly more effective.
“It can also be at other times throughout the day to alleviate stress, tension and promote relaxation,” adds Smith
Massage guns come with various head attachments designed for different muscle groups, so it’s important to ensure that you use the right one prior to starting use of the device, says Smith. Each of the different heads are designed with different uses in mind, so it's best to check the user manual or packaging to figure out the difference between a bullet head and a wedge attachment.
You probably already know how to do them.
Attachment sorted, you need to turn on your massage gun and place it on your desired trigger point. Then, glide it smoothly across the skin (dressed or undressed) – without adding any extra pressure. Got particularly tight muscles? Leave the massage gun hovering over that spot, again without exerting any extra pressure. If you want, you can increase the speed by adjusting the settings (most have pre-installed versions of low-high).
Smith advises starting slowly, beginning with a lower speed setting and gradually increasing until you reach the desired frequency. “Make sure to apply light pressure on targeted muscle areas, as this will allow the massage gun to do the work with slow and controlled strokes.”
“Be careful around your joints, steering clear of bony prominences like knees, elbows, and ankles and do not use them directly on the neck, spin or lower back,” he says. You should also avoid using a massage gun on injured or inflamed areas, Smith notes.
While the official manual provided with the product are well worth paying attention to, Smith urges people to also tune into themselves when using a massage gun: “Of course, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines, but it’s also very important to listen to your body. If you have any concerns or health issues, seek advice from a healthcare professional before continuing to use the massage gun.”
Is it bad to use a massage gun everyday?
Not at all! Unless you're suffering from pulled muscles, sprains or inflammation-related injuries. Therabody, for example, recommends that you should use your Theragun device two or three times every day. “We recommend using your Theragun for a minimum of 15 seconds and a maximum of 2 minutes per muscle group. A full-body session should not exceed 15 minutes.”
Things to consider before shopping:
There are a few things worth considering before you purchase your massage gun of choice.
“Look for a device with adjustable speed settings to cater to different muscle needs,” advises Smith. Most massage guns come with in-built speed settings but the range can vary by brand and product. “Some massage guns can be noisy,” points out Smith. If you prefer a quieter experience, it's possible to check the noise level specifications of the product usually on its website or packaging.
The amplitude of a massage gun is how deep it can get into your aching muscles, and therefore whether it can really give that deep tissue massage experience you've been craving.
Take the Theragun Pro, for example. It offers a 16mm amplitude making it great for serious fanatics, while the compact Lola massage gun we tried goes just 6mm deep. That'd be better for WFH-induced aches and pains. Definitely something to consider.
If you've never used a massage gun before, opt for one which offers smart assistance so that you get some guidance on where best to use them. Theragun devices connect to an app via Bluetooth which means you can be guided on which attachments to use on which parts of your body and whether you're massaging hard enough. Some devices even offer massage routines to really put your device to work.
Another thing worth looking out for, says Smith, is the battery life the massage gun boasts - some of the best massage guns run for up to six hours on a single charge, which is great if you're taking it away on holiday.
It might seem obvious, but some massage guns are significantly heavier than others. The Theragun Elite is so advanced (and therefore weighty) that it actually might be difficult to use on your own shoulders, while the LUMI MiniPro massage gun comes in at under 500g - but it doesn't massage the muscles quite so deeply. Swings and roundabouts. Again, seems obvious, but if portability is crucial, Smith recommends opting for a lightweight and compact model. He also advises choosing a design that fits comfortably in your hand
Most massage guns come with a variety of attachments or heads, which can be interchanged depending on the desired effect. “Different attachments target specific muscle groups, so having a variety can enhance versatility,” explains Smith.
The most common are fork attachments (for the neck and around the spine), large ball attachments (for your core), bullet attachments (for deep tissue and joints) and flat attachments which can be used everywhere.
While there are some fab massage gun options out there, it's worth narrowing your field in terms of what you want from the piece of kit and also assessing the budget you have. Obviously, prices can vary quite significantly so it's advisable to do your homework, research reputable brands and read user reviews, says Smith. It'll help you to gauge the effectiveness and durability of the massage gun. Checking for warranty information is also helpful says Smith - overall though, he recommends ensuring that the features and quality of the massage gun you're eyeing up align with your needs and budget. Good advice.
For more from GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.
Ahead, full edit of the best massage guns to add to your checkout.
- 1/13
1. Best overall
Why we love it: Theragun is perhaps the most popular brand of massage gun, and for good reason. Their products work, the design is sleek and the overall experience is exceptional - not least because of the bluetooth connectivity and available accessories.
The Theragun Pro is the most expensive massage gun from Therabody, coming in at just under £500. It also has the longest battery life of any Theragun device, and is the only device with a rotating arm. If you take a more serious approach to your fitness, this is the massage gun for you. Serious athletes, physical therapists and fitness professionals turn to it, after all.
It works to enhance muscle recovery, release stress and tension, and soothe discomfort with smart percussive therapy.
Although it's quite heavy, the aforementioned rotating arm, triangular handle and ergonomic multi-grip features make it pretty easy to handle. It uses QuietForce technology to ensure the device doesn't make too much noise, and can be connected to the brand's Therabody app using Bluetooth for a personalised experience. The battery life is higher than the battery life in any other Theragun device, standing at 300 minutes on a single charge, and the customisable speed range means you can really target your own specific aches and pains in the most comfortable way possible. You can also add a Pro Wireless Charging Stand to your order of the Theragun Pro for just £75.
Weight: 1.25kg.
Amplitude: 16mm.
Speed settings: Five built-in speeds (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 PPMs) but also customisable through the app (enables any speed between 1750-2400 PPMs).
Colours available: One - black.
Battery life: 150 minutes.
Accessories included: Six attachments - standard ball, dampener, thumb, wedge, supersoft and micropoint, a USB-C cable and adapter, a soft case and an attachment pouch.Check out our full Theragun review here, including how to choose the best Theragun for you.
- 2/13
2. Best affordable
Why we love it: This dinky massage gun is smaller than an iPhone and cuter too, we'd say. You can choose from ten colour options (sage and hot pink are limited edition, fyi) and if we're being honest, it was a difficult choice. They're all just so perfectly us. This is what sets Lola apart - the brand have thought about what a young female audience might want from a massage gun.
True, it's not as powerful as a Theragun or a MyoMaster but a) it's not designed to be, and b) the price tag is a clue. At under £100, it's one of the more affordable options on the market and a great option for beginners or casual gym-goers who want to see what all the percussive massage therapy fuss is about. It does feature four built-in speeds and comes with four interchangeable attachments.
Weight: 453g.
Amplitude: 6mm.
Speed settings: Four built-in speeds (1400, 2000, 2500, 3000 RPMs).
Colours available: 10 - pamper pink, brave black, mint green, baby blue, coral red, cotton white, sky blue, lemon chiffon, sage (limited edition) and hot pink (limited edition).
Battery life: 150 minutes.
Accessories included: Four attachments - U-shape, flat, ball and cone, USB-C charging cable and a protective pouch. - 3/13
3. Best for athletes
MyoMaster MyoPro, £168.28, Amazon
Why we love it: MyoMaster is stocked in Selfridges and endorsed by a huge number of elite athletes from the entire England rugby team and ex-England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, to three time World’s Strongest Man competitor Adam Bishop, and most recently female Team GB Olympic weightlifter Sarah Davies. So we had to try it.
Created to empower every athlete to unleash their full potential through preventing injury, boosting performance and harnessing the power of recovery, this massage gun uses percussive therapy to rapidly pulse muscle fibres with a gentle wave of pressure which softens the muscle tissue in areas where we experience intense stiffness and injury. Although it's not super portable (the carry case is pretty big), this massage gun does come with a whole range of attachments. Eight, to be precise. And it's this choice that impressed us so much.
"I loved having the choice of so many different attachments to really personalise my post-workout experience," commerce writer Sophie Cockett said. "There's everything from a 'thumb' attachment which worked wonders on my shoulders to the 'paddle' which is great for using when warming up and the 'fork' which is best used on the spine, achilles and forearm."
Weight: 1kg.
Amplitude: 14mm.
Speed settings: Five changeable speeds (1600, 2000, 2400, 2800, 3200 RPMs).
Colours available: One - black.
Battery life: 180 minutes.
Accessories included: Eight attachments - ball, dampner, XL scraper, thumb, bull, fork, paddle and pinpoint, worldwide compatibility charger, charging stand and a protective carry case. - 4/13
4. Best portable massage gun
Why we love it: The Theragun mini is the best portable massage gun that our editors tried, coming in a hell of a lot lighter than any other Theragun model. It's also the cheapest Theragun massage gun on offer.
It was tested by our Commerce writer, Sophie Cockett, and came in a sleek travel case which would be perfect for packing away in your suitcase.
Despite how compact it is, we found it to be incredibly powerful, with an 150-minute power life and three speed settings. Thanks to its small size, it was really easy to lift it above the head and treat hard-to-reach areas, plus, the small head means the relief is targeted.
“My shoulders had been SO sore after working from home for half a year, and the morning after using this massage gun, I felt a noticeable difference in how tense they felt. I love using it after HIIT workouts and before I go to bed.”
Weight: 0.45kg.
Amplitude: 12mm.
Speed settings: Three built-in speeds (1750, 2100, 2400 PPMs) but also customisable through the app (enables any speed between 1750-2400 PPMs).
Colours available: Two - black or desert rose.
Battery life: 120 minutes.
Accessories included: Three attachments - standard ball, dampener and thumb, USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a soft case.Check out our full Theragun review here, including how to choose the best Theragun for you.
- 5/13
5. Best for guided recovery
Theragun Elite, £375, John Lewis
Why we love it: Sitting one model below their most expensive massage gun, the Theragun Pro, is the Theragun Elite. We found it to be one of the best massage gun for melting away tension and using during lockdown, when you can't get out for a massage IRL.
It's the brand's quietest treatment ever, boasting a five-speed system, varying heads and a vibrant OLED screen to let you see how much force is being applied to your muscles. You can connect this massage gun to an app via Bluetooth for a personalised experience and guided routines for recovery. Plus, it has a 120-minute battery life - which is more than ample.
It was tested by our Editor-in-Chief, Deborah Joseph, who loved how the different heads could allow you to focus on different areas of your body. "The smaller head really allowed me to focus on tighter knots and target my most painful areas," she said. "I also love the packaging - it's neat; easy to carry around and travel with. It goes quite deep if you want it to, and has really eased my painful neck and shoulders. All in all, a very handy and relaxing device to have if you're spending all day at home and don't have a proper desk chair for alignment."
Any downsides? "I did find it a little too heavy to use on my own shoulders - you do need someone else to do it for you."
You can add a Pro Wireless Charging Stand to your order of the Theragun Elite.
Weight: 1kg.
Amplitude: 16mm.
Speed settings: Five built-in speeds (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 PPMs) but also customisable through the app (enables any speed between 1750-2400 PPMs).
Colours available: One - black.
Battery life: 120 minutes.
Accessories included: Five attachments - standard ball, dampener, thumb, wedge and cone, a USB-C cable and adapter and a travel case.Check out our full Theragun review here, including how to choose the best Theragun for you.
- 6/13
6. Best affordable massage gun
LUMI MiniPro Massage Gun, £69, Lumi Therapy
Why we love it: The LUMI MiniPro Massage Gun prides itself on being mini yet mighty and we'd have to agree. Coming in at just under 500g, the LUMI MiniPro is super lightweight and easy to handle - you won't be getting sore arms from lifting this massage gun.
It comes with four attachments, a sturdy hard-shell portable storage case and we loved the display screen on the top of the massage gun. With a press of a button, you can add to the intensity (it reaches up to 3,600 PPM) and the display will light up to show you were you are along on the four speeds on offer. It's sleek and discreet - a definite go-to for throwing in a weekend or gym bag.
Weight: 490g.
Amplitude: 8mm.
Speed settings: Four - reaches up to 3600 PPM.
Colours available: Two - blue or black.
Battery life: 16 hour.
Accessories included: Four attachments - hammer, ball, bullet and twin-U, USB-C charging cable and a portable storage case. - 7/13
7. Best quiet massage gun
Power Plate Plus Handheld Body Massager, £199, Currys
Why we love it: Although it doesn't look the swishest (in fact, we think the design is a little old school) this handheld body massager from Power Plate is not to be sniffed at.
It comes with an impressive six attachments (fork, thumb, large ball, small ball, large flat and small flat) and is - thank goodness - one of the quieter massage guns out there. Your flatmates/partner/cat will be thankful for that. The Power Plate body massager does have a bulkier handle, but the silicone gripping on it does help with the hold. Six seems to be the magic number with this massage gun: as well as the six attachments, it has six intensity setting that reach up to 3,300 RPM and a six hour battery life.
Weight: 1.1kg.
Amplitude: 12mm.
Speed settings: Six intensity levels up to 3300 RPM.
Colours available: Two - black or red.
Battery life: Six hours.
Accessories included: Six attachments - fork, thumb, large ball, small ball, large flat and small flat, power adapter and a storage case. - 8/13
Best for heated massage
HoMedics Pro Physio Massage Gun, £180, Amazon
Why we love it: HoMedics Pro Physio massage gun is well rated by reviewers for its power and effective massage. What really sets it apart though from the other options on the market though is that it comes with a heated attachment and a cold version too.
Its heated attachment can reach 47⁰C in under two minutes, while the gel head needs to be frozen for four hours if you want to use it to cool down post workout. The HoMedics Pro Physio massage gun also has three intensity levels, can be used for more than three hours before it needs charging and isn't too heavy either at under 1kg.
Weight: 900g.
Amplitude: 10mm.
Speed settings: Three intensity levels (2100, 2400, 3000 RPMs).
Colours available: One - black.
Battery life: 3.5 hours.
Accessories included: Six attachments - barrel head, cold head, ball head, arrow head, heat head and cellulite head, an adapter and a storage case.
- 9/13
Best massage gun for the gym bag
Hyperrice Hypervolt Go 2, £129, Amazon
Why we love it: The Hyperrice Hypervolt Go 2 is designed for on the go convenience and we think they've got it covered. Here's why: it's lightweight (under 700g!), it's uncomplicated (two attachments, three speed settings), it's minimalist and no fuss. It's a perfect choice for popping in your gym bag or rucksack for a little bit of massage gun magic. Pull this out at the side of the track, pitch or pool and you'll be pretty popular, we think.
Weight: 0.68kg.
Amplitude: 10mm.
Speed settings: Three, with a top speed of 3200 RPM.
Colours available: Two - white and black.
Battery life: 180 minutes.
Accessories included: Two attachments - flat and bullet and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. - 10/13
Best for sleek design
Musclegun Carbon Massage Gun, £169, Amazon
Why we love it: With a charcoal and black colourway and sleek design, this is one sophisticated massage gun. If it could, it would sit by the fire and drink a whiskey, you know?
Anyway, let's move on. There's plenty of features to chat about: five hour battery life, five built-in speeds that range from 1,400 to 3,200 RPM, four attachments and an amplitude of 10mm. There's a lot to like about this one. It's pretty light for a serious piece of kit. Also, it comes with a free recovery massage oil and free luxury wash bag (available for a limited time), so what are you waiting for?
Weight: 0.98kg.
Amplitude: 10mm.
Speed settings: Five built-in speeds (ranging from between 1400 to 3200 RPM).
Colours available: One - black/grey.
Battery life: Five hours.
Accessories included: Four attachments - fork, flat cone, flat dampener and firm ball, UK power charger and a carry case. - 11/13
Best massage gun for spinal muscle massage
Pulse Roll Massage Gun, £233.12, Amazon
Why we love it: Pulse Roll first became big news in the fitness space when they launched their vibrating recovery kit, but they've recently added a massage gun to the ranks.
It comes with six attachments to personalise your massage, including a spinal muscle massage head which targets spinal aches and pains. There are also four different speeds to choose between, and the massage gun can run for a total of five hours from one single charge.
Loved by athletes, the Pulse Roll Massage Gun is used in physiotherapy clinics and is a great tool to use at home if you'd like to reduce a case of the DOMs - who wouldn't right?
Weight: 1.1kg.
Amplitude: 12mm.
Speed settings: Five, with a speed range of 1500-3100 RPM. Also has two heat settings (45°C or 55°C).
Colours available: Two - black or white
Battery life: Up to six hours.
Accessories included: Eight attachments - heat active, aluminium scraper, aluminium bullet, dome head, pneumatic head, invigor, push blade and spinal head, a charger and a carrying case. - 12/13
Best massage gun for ease of use
Recovapro Lite Percussion Massage Device, £159, Amazon
Why we love it: This is most definitely one of the most stylish massage guns of the pack, injecting a welcome pop of colour into your post-workout routine. Or post-day-at-the-desk routine, as the case may be. It's pretty light, making it perfect for travelling with, and it boasts five speeds which will aid in muscle recovery.
The brand does market itself as a brand for middle-aged users who want relief from arthritis - but don't let it put you off. It's good enough for fitness fanatics. In addition to the five speeds, it comes with four massage gun attachments: a ball, a fork, a flat and a bullet attachment, plus a carry case. No complaints with this one.
Weight: 0.7kg.
Amplitude: 12mm.
Speed settings: Five built-in speeds (1500, 1800, 2100, 2400, 2800 PPM).
Colours available: Four - space grey, rose gold, sky blue and midnight black.
Battery life: 180+ minutes.
Accessories included: Four attachments - ball, flat, fork and bullet, lithium-ion magnetic charger, worldwide charger adapter, a leather charging mat and a protective carrying case.
- 13/13
Best muscle vibration massage gun
Achedaway Pro Percussion and Vibration Massager, £239, Amazon
Why we love it: Designed with all ages and fitness levels in mind, by founder Tim Tian, is the Achedaway massage gun - a device which is fairly affordable and which has a top speed of 55 percussions per second.
Sophie Cockett, commerce writer, said: “I was really impressed with the Achedaway massage gun, which came in a carry case smaller than the MyoPro but larger than the Theragun. Although it's pretty heavy, it was comfortable to hold, and came with four different attachments. The ball was a good all-rounder, ideal for using both pre and post-workout and on most muscle groups. I also enjoyed using the fork attachment on my forearms after upper body workouts.”
Weight: 1.2kg.
Amplitude: 16mm.
Speed settings: Five adjustable speed levels (1700, 2000, 2300, 2600, 2800 RPMs).
Colours available: One - black.
Battery life: 180+ minutes.
Accessories included: Four attachments - soft head, flat head,bullet head and a fork head, a charger, a removable battery and a carrying case.
