Best Massage Guns
The best massage guns provide both percussive and vibration therapy with an assortment of attachments designed to replicate the hands of a professional. With a wide variety of pressure ranges and motor speeds, some of these massage guns come with digital apps as well as built-in presets. With appointments to a professional masseuse running anywhere from $60 to well over $100, investing in a top-quality massage gun might be worthwhile. As a rule, vibration therapy is performed at higher, steadier frequencies and can be likened to a Swedish massage. Percussive therapy is typically performing rates alternating between hard and soft, which is more like a deep tissue massage in that it breaks through knots. The best massage guns can offer both types of therapy with the flip of a switch while in the comfort of your own home.
When getting ready for a bodybuilding contest, I find these guns do a great job of hitting tight spots that develop while upping the reps. This is particularly the case when cutting bodyweight and trying to maintain the same lifting volume. Read below to see our detailed review of the top massage guns on the market.
Best Massage Guns
Model
Rating
Percussive and Vibration
Attachments
Manufacturer
Pricing
Reviews
Helpful Tips
Before turning on the juice behind a massage gun, take a little time to read up on the Do’s and Don’ts. With some units offering up to 60 pounds of pressure, it’s important to keep these out of the hands of unattended children. Also, as a rule, remember that sprains and strains should not be massaged with pressure. Sprains occur when muscles or ligaments are torn. Strains are when a muscle has been pulled past its normal range. Inflammation of the tendons is another common ailment for fitness buffs, and again, should receive direct pressure. In each of these cases, the extra pressure will only worsen the tears and pulls.
When to Use
Research has shown that vibration and percussion therapy can actually replace human hands if – emphasis on the if – the user knows what they’re doing. The best massage guns are actually quite common in the offices of chiropractors and massage therapists, but they key is their ability to actually reach the specific point of stress and hold it for a specified period of time. Practice does make perfect, and some massage guns come with apps and instructional videos. Depending on where the pressure is, a partner may be required to actually hit the area correctly.
1. Vybe Pro
With power in hand, the Vybe Pro brings nine different speed settings for a total of up to 3,200 percussions per minute. The package also brings eight attachments: Knot Blaster, Wedge Head, Arrow Head, Wishbone, Large Ball, Knob, Trigger Cone, and Flathead.
In using it myself, I noticed it’s relatively quiet at only 60 decibels. It makes for an easy reach-around and doesn’t stress one too much in use. The unit offers up to 33 lbs of pressure which seemed plenty for me. Measuring 4.37″ x 9.96″ x 14.25″ and weighing 4.28 lbs, the Vybe Pro uses one lithium ion battery, which does come included, and it’s good for about three hours.
Pros
Cons
2. Theragun Pro All-New 4th Generation
The Theragun Pro brings fourth generation percussive therapy and deep tissue muscle treatment to the home with a QX150 professional-grade motor equipped with QuietForce Technology. The unit is able to generate up to 60 pounds of maximum force at the sound level of an electric toothbrush. Smart capabilities include an OLED screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and three built-in presets with a responsive force meter. The amplitude maximum is 16mm, with a 5-speed range with customizable speed through the smart app. The unit uses two swappable batteries with approximately 150 minutes each. Measuring 10 inches long, the unit weighs 2.9 pounds and also comes with six attachments.
Pros
Cons
3. DOACE U-Shaped Massage Gun
Low-cost and light-weight, the DOACE U-Shaped Massage Gun offers a unique design to afford better use with just one hand. The U-shape also offers users more precision when two hands are used. The 20-speed body massager comes with nine replaceable massage heads capable of delivering up to 4,000 percussions per minute.
This cordless unit is equipped with a 2500mAh high-quality lithium battery good for up to 10 hours. The DOACE U-Shaped Massage Gun also features EMS functions. EMS Mode 1 allows the handle electrodes and Output pads to work simultaneously, while EMS Mode 2 has the Output pads alone. There are an additional five exercise modes for varying degrees of intensity.
Pros
Cons
4. Vybe V2
Built with an ergonomic handle, the Vybe V2 offers a 90-degree rotating arm to hit every angle. Offering up to 60 pounds of pressure and 16 mm amplitude, the unit can be adjusted between six speeds between 500 and 2,400 percussions per minute. The unit is cordless and comes with three different head options, as well as two fast-charging batteries. The purchase also comes with a sturdy travel case. The Vybe V2 weighs approximately 3.5 pounds and offers a 60-80 decibel noise factor.
Pros
Cons
5. Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
The Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun offers a brushless motor with low volume, offering five different levels of percussions per minute of 1,200 to 2,800. The unit comes with one rechargeable lithium ion battery which, fully charged, can last up to six hours. Using a digital LED screen, customers can gauge their pressure and power from 20 to 45 Hz. The unit comes with five attachable massage heads, including two Bullet-shaped pieces, one Round, one U-Shaped, and one Flat. The manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction, lifetime warranty.
