The 12 Best Massage Guns of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

To find the best massage guns on the market, we tested 18 massage guns at home over several weeks. Our testers used the massage guns pre- and post-workout on multiple muscle groups, including glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, and more, any time they felt sore. We evaluated each device on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for its effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value.

When choosing a massage gun, take into consideration your personal noise tolerance, the device’s stall force—which is how much pressure you can apply before it shuts off—the gun’s weight and shape, and customizing options such as multiple speed selections and head attachments for hitting different muscle groups, so you’re receiving targeted benefits.

Massage guns can be helpful tools for relieving sore muscles and preventing soreness when used before and after workouts. They target muscles with rapid-fire pulses, aiming to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home.

Best Overall

opove Apex Massage Gun

5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Stall Force

  4.5

  /5

• Portability

  4.5

  /5

Pros

• Quiet (even on highest setting)

• Great battery life

• Easy to maneuver

Cons

• Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some

We gave this massage gun a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars for effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and value, which is why it was an easy choice for our best overall spot. Our tester noted that this massage gun was very effective at reaching specific trigger points and particularly sore spots. A fan of deep tissue massage, our tester also loved that the device comes with multiple smaller attachments for more intense kneading.

Compared to opove’s previous model, the opove M3 Pro—which was previously our best overall pick, this model is quieter, keeping its noise level between 45 and 55 decibels when in use. Even on the highest of its three available speed settings, it’s quieter than the lowest setting of many other massage guns on the market.

Although this massage gun has a hefty stall force of 50 pounds, it is quite lightweight, only weighing 2.3 pounds. Our tester, who also tested opove’s M3 Pro model, found the Apex to be easier to maneuver, as it is more compact and features a grippy handle for easy holding (a feature that the M3 Pro model lacked).

Its battery life is also competitive, clocking in between three and four hours on one full charge. Plus, we love that it comes with a convenient carrying case, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing any of its six unique attachments.

Testing Notes: “For anyone who is looking to try out a massage gun or even a more veteran exerciser who has tried massage guns out in the past, this gun is truly versatile! It’s great for people who like more relaxing, lighter massages and people who like deep tissue massage.” So whether you need to relieve soreness from high-intensity workouts or just want to wind down after low-impact cardio, like exercising on an elliptical, this massage gun has you covered.

Its three speed settings and six head attachments make this massage gun versatile enough to hit all muscle groups and sore spots, from gentle relaxation to deep massage. Our tester found the opove Apex Massage Gun powerful enough to offer deep relief due to its impressive stall force and 14.5-millimeter stroke length.

Price at time of publication: $250

Key Specs:
Noise: 45-55 dB | Stall Force: 50 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 3.5 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Budget

RecoverFun Mini Massage Gun

5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  5

  /5

Pros

• Super lightweight

• Great battery life

Cons

• Not as powerful as other options

• Lacks a structured carrying case

Mini massage guns aren’t the most powerful options on the market, but they definitely get the job done for people looking for basic relief. This mini massage gun from RecoverFun earned 5 out of 5 stars for all of our testing attributes: effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. This gun is both affordable and effective, generating up to 3,200 percussions per minute across four different speed settings to provide significant therapeutic relief. 

Testing Notes: “This gun only has four speeds, so it doesn’t feel like you can overdo it. The size makes it easy to maneuver: I never feel like the massage gun is going to slip out of my hands or get too unwieldy.”

The brushless motor is surprisingly quiet, and the battery lasts an impressive 5 hours on a single charge. The USB charging port design helps you keep it powered up while on the go as well. It only weighs 1.1 pounds, and our tester found that the ergonomic design makes it both easy and comfortable to hold.

Price at time of publication: $79

Key Specs:
Noise: 42 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 5 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Theragun

Therabody Theragun Prime Massage Gun

4.8

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4.5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  4

  /5

Pros

• Affordable Theragun option

• Ergonomic grip

• App integration with Bluetooth

Cons

• Handle may be too short for hard-to-reach areas

• Shorter battery life

Theragun is a powerhouse in the massage gun market, and after testing the brand’s most popular massage gun models, the Theragun Prime was our favorite. The Prime massage gun earned 5 out of 5 stars on four of our six testing attributes, which gives it an overall higher rating than the more expensive Theraguns we tested. Our tester felt it was very effective at relieving sore muscles after a workout and was easy to hold and quiet.

It’s a budget-friendlier option from the brand that still provides all the features you need for sore muscle relief. It comes with four head attachments and a smart app that our tester notes was very helpful with initial setup and even provides how-to video guides.

Testing Notes: “This was feeling like a ‘nice to have’ gadget until the morning I woke up with a tension headache. I used the Theragun on my back and shoulder and felt great for the rest of the day.”

We love that the brushless motor contains QuietForce Technology that keeps this massage gun pretty quiet while in use without losing power. The device comes with five built-in speeds, but you can also select any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute to customize your treatment on manual mode.

Price at time of publication: $289

Key Specs:
Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Today, Our Top Theragun Is at Its Lowest Price for Amazon’s October Prime Day

Best Budget Theragun

Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0

4.9

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  4.5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  5

  /5

Pros

• Portable

• Easy to hold

• Compatible with other Theragun attachments

Cons

• Only comes with one head attachment

• Low stall force

For an even budget-friendlier Theragun that is also easily portable, we recommend this Mini version. We gave the Theragun Mini Massager a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. The Mini is perfect for working out knots and tight spots while on the go. Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to stash in your gym bag or hiking pack, so you can use it anywhere.

With a 20-pound stall force and only three speed settings, the Theragun Mini is not as powerful as other massage guns on our list, but our tester felt a noticeable difference in hip flexor tension after using it.

Mini massage guns are particularly useful for people who have weaker hands or struggle with chronic arthritis pain and can’t hold heavier devices comfortably for an extended period of time. We like that the Theragun Mini has a sleek, ergonomic grip that helps reduce the strain on your hands.

Testing Notes: “The Theragun Mini is a no-brainer for folks who want the experience of a massage gun without the size/scale of the larger devices.”

Therabody claims that this 2nd generation Theragun Mini is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than its predecessor, making it even more portable and perfect for travel.

Price at time of publication: $199

Key Specs:
Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 20 pounds | Weight: 1 pound | Customizability: 3 speed settings | Battery Life: 2.5 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Splurge

Theragun Elite Massage Gun

4.2

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  4.5

  /5

• Comfort

  4

  /5

• Ease of Use

  3.5

  /5

• Stall Force

  4.5

  /5

• Portability

  4.1

  /5

Pros

• Ergonomic grip

• Customizable speed range

• App integration with Bluetooth

Cons

• Larger size may be difficult to hold

The Theragun Elite did not score as well as the Prime during our test, but we still think this is a quality massage gun from a trusted brand that’s worth the splurge for anyone looking for a higher-tech option. The Elite offers five head attachments, including a wedge attachment that can help decrease lactic acid in muscles via a “scraping” motion. Like the Theragun Prime, the Elite comes equipped with QuietForce Technology and smart app integration. The Therabody app integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit and can suggest guided routines based on your fitness program. You can also store up to three preset routines right on your device.

Testing Notes: “I had high expectations for the Theragun due to its reputation, and it definitely delivered. It’s pleasing to the eye, feels high-quality during use, and has minimal flaws or details that could be changed. While there are only three speeds, it’s more than enough, and it doesn’t skimp on versatility with its five attachment heads.”

Our tester noted that the Elite is a little bulky, so holding the gun for a long massage session may be difficult, which is why it only scored a 3.5 out of 5 for ease of use. However, our tester also noted that the Elite head attachments glide smoothly over sore muscles. She also liked that you can easily adjust the speed of the massage gun, which makes the device versatile for soothing mild to deep muscle aches.

Price at time of publication: $399

Key Specs:
Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 40 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 5 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

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Best for the Face

Therabody TheraFace PRO

4.8

 Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  4.5

  /5

Therabody’s TheraFace Pro is a Modern Facial Device for the Skincare-Obsessed

Pros

• Has additional skincare treatments

• Ergonomic design

• Six head attachments

Cons

• Expensive

In need of a massage gun, but for your face? Meet Therabody’s TheraFace Pro. Whether you have irritating jaw pain or facial muscle tension, this innovative facial tool uses gentle percussive massage to ease discomfort. It has three different percussive attachments—flat, cone, and micro-point—to target different areas and concerns.

Testing Notes: “The TheraFace Pro is an eight-in-one device that delivers unique treatments, real results, and restorative relaxation. If you’re looking to splurge on an effective device, the TheraFace Pro is worth it to level-up your self-care routine.”

What’s more, the device comes with three additional attachments, including cleansing, microcurrent, and LED light therapy rings to help users work toward a variety of skincare goals. It’s an eight-in-one device that works to relieve facial pain and tension headaches; target fine lines and wrinkles; and clean and tone the skin. Our tester said it provided a relaxing, effective upgrade to her skincare routine.

Price at time of publication: $399

Key Specs:
Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not Applicable | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Customizability: 6 attachments | Battery Life: 120 minutes

Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente

Best High-Intensity

Theragun PRO 4th Generation

4.6

Theragun

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  4.5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4.5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  4

  /5

Pros

• Rotating arm

• 60-pound stall force

• Six head attachments

Cons

• Expensive

• Larger size may be difficult to hold

The Pro massage gun is the top of the line from Theragun and a fan favorite. It didn’t perform as well as other options on our list, but we think it’s still a good investment if you’re seeking a truly deep tissue massage. With a stall force of 60 pounds, six head attachments, and a rotating arm, the Theragun Pro offers maximum intensity and versatility for treating sore muscles—earning a score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness.

The Pro’s arm rotates to four different positions, and the triangular-shaped handle makes it ideal for hard-to-reach spots like the low back, glutes, and hamstrings. Our tester noted that the Pro is pretty heavy at almost 3 pounds, so it’s better suited for someone with lots of arm and grip strength or someone who has a partner or trainer that can assist with the massage session.

Testing Notes: “I would recommend this massage gun to someone who works out very frequently and who has used massage guns in the past and plans to use massage guns very frequently, which would make this worth the cost. I would also recommend it to someone who likes deep percussive therapy.”

Like other Theragun devices, the Pro comes with smart app integration and up to three preset routines that can be saved on the device. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you’ll never be left waiting for your massage gun to charge up.

Price at time of publication: $599

Key Specs:
Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours

Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

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Best Battery Life

Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  4.5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  3.5

  /5

Pros

• Long battery life

• Six head attachments

• Auto-shutoff feature

Cons

• Low stall force

• Large size compared to other massage guns

The Sportneer Elite D9 has an impressive battery life of up to 6 hours. After you charge it, you won’t have to worry about recharging it for weeks, depending on how often you use it. This makes it reliable and convenient. The D9 is durable and has a 10-minute auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating, making it a safe choice.

It has six speed settings and six head attachments—including two specifically designed for oil massage—allowing you to reach your neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, and legs for a full-body massage. Our tester found the massage gun very comfortable to use, giving it a rating of 5 out of 5 for comfort.

Our tester did note that it is a large device, so it may be difficult to take on the go.

Price at time of publication: $260

Key Specs:
Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 6 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Mini

Renpho Mini Massage Gun

4.6

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  4

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  4.5

  /5

Pros

• Portable and lightweight

• One-button control

• Auto-shutoff feature

Cons

• Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some

• Battery life can affect performance

Verywell Fit FYI

A newer version of the RENPHO Mini Massage Gun is available on Amazon. We are currently testing this product and will update our article with insights about the newer version very soon.

Renpho is no stranger to wellness products, known for its high-tech bathroom scales and foot massagers. At 0.9 pounds, the Mini Massage Gun is the lightest option on our list. We like that it can be gripped perfectly with the palm of your hand and easily packs into a gym bag or suitcase, with or without the included carrying case.

However, don’t be fooled by its small size. Some users have reported that the lowest setting is still quite powerful. It features five speed settings and four head attachments, from flat to cylinder, and Renpho promises a torque that’s 1.5 times higher than competitors—which means a lower likelihood of stalling. Our tester noted the high quality of the device and its carrying case and liked that it included a body map with suggestions for which attachments to use. We gave the massage gun a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for stall force, ease of use, and portability.

Testing Notes: “I prefer the Renpho Mini Massage Gun to larger massage guns that don’t feel as safe or manageable. This was extremely intuitive to use and effective.”

The one-button control is convenient for turning on the device and increasing its speed, but our tester noted that after reaching maximum speed, the next push of the button returns the speed to level 1 instead of shutting it off completely.

Price at time of publication: $80

Key Specs:
Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Stall Force

Achedaway Pro 16mm Massage Gun

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4.5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  4

  /5

Pros

• Auto-shutoff safety feature

• Carrying case included

• High stall force

Cons

• Battery life can affect performance

• Heavy

If you prefer more aggressive massages, consider Achedaway’s Pro 16mm Massage Gun. It has the highest stall force on our list at 80 pounds and five speed settings. The massage gun weighs 2.5 pounds, so it’s not the lightest but not the heaviest on our list. Our tester noted that it was difficult to hold with one hand when massaging hard-to-reach areas like the back, so the weight is a compromise to consider if you’re looking for a powerful device. We think it’s worth the tradeoff, given that the device earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness.

It features a battery life of two to three hours, but we like that you can buy an extra battery to double the battery life. Users have reported that a low battery can impact its performance and intensity, so you may need to plan ahead and make sure you have a full charge before using the device.

Testing Notes: “I really enjoyed using the Achedaway Pro because it helped relieve muscle tension and tightness in my back. Plus, it was easy to use, set up, and attach the different attachments it came with.”

For safety, it includes an auto-shutoff feature when not in use. The massage gun comes equipped with a carrying case, four massage heads, and a removable battery.

Price at time of publication: $299

Key Specs:
Noise: 40-60 dB | Stall Force: 80 pounds | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: Up to 3 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Quiet

Toloco Massage Gun

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  4.5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4.5

  /5

• Stall Force

  4.5

  /5

• Portability

  4.5

  /5

Pros

• Very quiet

• 10 head attachments

• 20 speed levels

Cons

• Amplitude is shorter than other massage guns

• Some users report battery stops holding a charge

The TOLOCO Massage Gun’s brushless motor is built with noise reduction technology that keeps it at 40 decibels, making it the quietest on our list. Our tester felt it was easy to use, lightweight, and impressively quiet, giving it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use, comfort, and portability.

The stall force for this gun is not listed by the manufacturer, but even though the motor is quiet, it’s still powerful. Our tester noted that they had no trouble applying a lot of pressure and felt the higher settings were appropriately intense without causing the gun to vibrate too much, earning it a score of 4.5 out of 5 for stall force.

Testing Notes: “I really like this little device! I don’t find massage guns as helpful as other things, but I definitely see the benefit of investing some money into this affordable, versatile, portable, and effective little machine.”

The TOLOCO is versatile and easy to use. We like that it comes with 10 head attachments and 20 speed levels, making it easy to adjust for different muscle groups, like neck and shoulders or glutes and hamstrings.

Price at time of publication: $260

Key Specs:
Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Customizability: 10 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

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Best for Travel

Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2

4.6

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  4

  /5

• Comfort

  5

  /5

• Ease of Use

  4.5

  /5

• Stall Force

  5

  /5

• Portability

  4.5

  /5

Pros

• TSA approved for carry-on

• Compact

• Three plug adapters for travel

Cons

• Short battery life

• No carrying case

The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is a lightweight and portable massage gun built for traveling. It weighs less than 2 pounds, comes with three plug adapters for international outlets, and is TSA-compliant for carry-on.

It comes with two head attachments and three speed settings, and our tester noted that it was effective at relieving muscle tension in her legs and back. The massager was very quiet and easy to use with a one-button control—earning the device a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use.

Testing Notes: “I liked how lightweight the device was. The handle was also easy to hold and maneuver.”

The Hyperice has a shorter battery life than other massage guns on our list. However, this newer version has a slightly longer battery life of 3 hours, compared to the battery life of the Hypervolt Go which was listed at 2.5 hours. But with three adapters, you can charge it on the go, and we like that its light weight makes it easy to maneuver into hard-to-reach spots like the low back or feet.

Price at time of publication: $199

Key Specs:
Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Customizability: 2 head attachments | Battery Life: 3 hours

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Best Everyday

Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun

4.9

Amazon

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness

  5

  /5

• Comfort

  4.9

  /5

• Ease of Use

  5

  /5

• Stall Force

  4.5

  /5

• Portability

  4.8

  /5

Pros

• Easy to hold

• Customizable speed range

• Long battery life

Cons

• Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some

Ekrin’s B37 Massage Gun features eight hours of battery life, five speed settings, and four head attachments, all in one compact and easy-to-use device. It’s ultra-quiet, lightweight, and comes with a convenient carry case for easy portability. And we love the ergonomically designed 15-degree angled handle for a more comfortable reach.

Our tester noted that the massage gun was effective at relieving muscle tension in her super-sore shoulders, glutes, and legs—earning the device a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness. With adjustable speed settings and head attachments, Ekrin’s B37 offers complete customization.

Testing Notes: “This massage gun is perfect for everyday use: It’s comfortable to hold, completely customizable, and reliably durable. I love it!”

We love that the device is quieter and has a longer battery life than many other massage guns on our list. It’s a powerhouse massager that will get the job done, our tester said. But for those with weaker, more fragile muscles, we recommend a gentler option, such as RecoverFun’s Mini Massage Gun.

Price at time of publication: $230

Key Specs:
Noise: 35-55dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: Not listed | Customizability: 5 speed settings, 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 8 hours