What To Consider When Shopping For A Massage Gun
Speed
Sufficient speed is key for reaching the targeted muscle and promoting blood flow, says Giordano. It’s best to look for a device with a range of speeds to cater different preferences and sensitivities.
Battery Life
No one wants their massage gun to die 10 minutes into treatment, so choose a device that has a reliable battery life. Ideally, your massage gun should last multiple hours without requiring a charge.
Size and Weight
Massage guns are meant to enhance at-home recovery, so choose a device that’s compact and lightweight. Lifting it shouldn’t feel like an arm workout!
Attachments
Different attachment heads cater to different needs and muscles, so look for a massage gun that comes with a variety of add-ons (more on that soon!).
How We Chose The Best Massage Guns
Led by fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT, the Women’s Health team consulted a physical therapist and two certified personal trainers to determine what factors make the best massage guns stand out from the rest. Appleton tested a total of 10 massage guns, using each for a minimum of 20 minutes a day for five consecutive days to thoroughly assess quality and user experience. We focused on key features like noise, battery life, attachments, vibration speed, and price.
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This sixth generation device offers three vibration speeds, three heat therapy temperatures, and five attachments to hit every nagging ache.
It’s also a favorite of Giordano. “If you want the massage gun that has it all, I recommend getting the new Theragun Pro Plus. The Pro Plus has everything—percussion, vibration, [a] hot attachment, and LED light therapy,” he says.
The Pro Plus also pairs with the Therabody app, which allows you to personalize your device and combine your Theragun session with calming breathwork and sound therapy.
| Battery Life | 150 minutes |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.4’’ x 6.06’’ x 2.56’’ |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs |
| Speed | 3 vibration speeds |
| Attachments | Dampener, wedge, micro-point, standard ball, thumb |
Pros
- Very travel-friendly
- Quieter than most full-sized models
- Shape is easy to grip
Cons
- Battery life is somewhat limited compared to bigger models
“I’ve never used a massage gun as much as the mini, just because I can throw it in my gym or travel bag to use on-the-go,” says Appleton. If you plan to frequently use your massage gun outside of your home or while traveling, the mini might make sense for you.
The small but mighty device has three vibration speeds, 120 minutes of battery life, and weighs about one pound. The three head attachments range from firm to gentle pressure and are perfect for targeting both large and small muscle groups as well as trigger points.
While it includes noise-dampening tech that makes it quieter than some full size models, you still may want to avoid using it in noise-sensitive areas like an airplane, says Appleton.
| Battery Life | 120 minutes |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.55″ x 4.92″ x 1.93″ |
| Weight | 1.43 lbs |
| Speed | 3 vibration speeds |
| Attachments | Dampener, standard ball, thumb |
A good massage gun doesn’t need to break the bank because this powerful device is budget-friendly and feels great. It’s an excellent option for those who aren’t looking to spend more than $100 on a full-sized model, though keep in mind that its lower price means it might not offer the same long-term durability as premium models.
Six vibration settings and three interchangeable head attachments allow you to experience sports recovery your way whether you’re looking to hit larger muscles or target a pressure point.
The massager is slightly heavier than other options on the list, but it comes with a carrying case for easy transport and travel. It’s also specifically designed for deep tissue work to help release stiff muscles.
| Battery Life | 120 minutes |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.2’’ x 5.98’’ x 1.39’’ |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs |
| Speed | 6 vibration speeds |
| Attachments | Large ball, small ball, deep tissue |
What is a massage gun—and how does it work?
“A massage gun is a handheld device that uses electro-mechanical vibration to impact and stimulate the soft tissues of the body,” says Tony Ambler-Wright, CPT, a master instructor and product manager for the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Hyperice ambassador.
These tools offer a unique approach compared to other vibration options like rollers, balls, or platforms, he says, since they deliver targeted percussion vibrations in varying depths and speeds. They’re also usable while seated or standing. “There’s no need to roll out on the floor, platform, or against a wall, and they can easily hit harder-to-reach areas,” says Ambler-Wright.
And as mentioned, massage guns likely work thanks to increasing blood flow and potentially helping with lymphatic drainage.
Can massage guns change your muscle tissue?
More research is needed on the extensive benefits, but massage guns can increase blood flow to targeted areas, which aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles to help promote recovery and reduce soreness, says Giordano.
Who should use a massage gun?
The good news is that massage guns can benefit most people, regardless of their fitness or activity level. Even if the benefit is just a feel-good self-massage that offers pleasure and a moment to de-stress, it’s worth considering. “Massage guns can be used to prepare for and recover from exercise, reduce stress, tension, and soreness,” says Ambler-Wright.
However, certain conditions can be contraindications for use. “Individuals with deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders, open wounds, etcetera, should exercise caution or avoid using massage guns,” says Giordano. Some conditions may only require avoiding certain areas of the body rather than skipping massage guns altogether. Therabody has a comprehensive page on who should avoid using these devices, but it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if a massage gun is safe for you.
How do you use a massage gun?
It’s best to move the massage gun up and down your muscles and pause when you find a sore spot or pain point. Apply the gun to the areas around it to gradually work out the knot. The key to getting the best results is to use your percussion massager consistently and to concentrate on tight spots for at least 30 to 60 seconds, says Aaron Drogoszewski, CPT, a massage therapist, trainer, and co-founder of Recover in New York City.
Which massage gun attachments should I use?
Naturally, this depends on the massage gun you have and the attachments that come with it, however, there are some pro tips to help you decide.
Soft: “Softer, more cushioned attachments are great for users new to percussion and/or for use on or around more sensitive areas,” says Ambler-Wright.
Flat: “Many may also come with a flat attachment, which is the most versatile; the flat portion works great for larger muscle groups and the edge can be applied to smaller areas or to work around bony landmarks,” says Ambler-Wright.
Bullet/Point: “Attachments shaped like a bullet or that come to more of a point, are typically used to pinpoint very specific areas of tension or soreness and because of the smaller surface area it will usually be more painful than some of the other attachments,” says Ambler-Wright.
Split/Fork: “You may also find attachments that are split, or fork-shaped, which makes them ideal to target two areas simultaneously, enabling, for example, to get both sides of the soleus (calf) muscle around the Achilles tendon, or along each side of the upper trapezius muscle,” says Ambler-Wright.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
Talene Appleton is the Fitness Editor at Women’s Health, where she covers fitness and nutrition with a special interest in the intersection of fitness and culture, food, and community. Passionate about women’s health, Talene aims to empower women through engaging, research-backed information on healthy living. She studied nutrition and exercise science at George Washington University, where she focused on proposing updates to the . Talene began her writing career in medical journalism, working closely with oncology and general surgery professionals to translate new research into accessible advice. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and certified nutritional consultant. When not writing, she can be found exploring new fitness classes and wellness services around NYC and collaborating on culinary pop-ups. Prior to her role at Women’s Health, she was the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health and contributed to General Surgery News, The Food Institute, and The Nessie.
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