Best Massage Gun in 2023

Forget expensive massage therapy and cheap foam rollers — a massage gun offers a happy medium.

Whether you’re a hyper-active fitness freak or a person who’s stuck for hours at a time on a desktop, you may be no stranger to stress and tension in the body. Between the time and expense though, in-person therapeutic massage may not be the best solution to ease muscle soreness and pain. Consequently, the massage gun market has erupted. The best massage guns are masterful tools in percussive therapy, delivering intense pulses and vibrations to inflamed or injured muscle points. That means you get quick, accessible pain relief in the comfort of your own home.

However, knowing which gun to choose with a cache of options available can be overwhelming, and your injuries, habits and finances will all play a part in the decision. In this roundup, our experts assessed some of the best massage guns available on the market today to help you find the ideal match. These are our picks:

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by the editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.

• Best Overall Massage Gun – Theragun Pro
• Best Post Workout Massage Gun – Hyperice Hypervolt Go
• Best Multi Temperature Massage Gun – HoMedics DuoTemp Pro
• Best Massage Gun for Average Users – Renpho Massage Gun
• Best Massage Gun for Travel – Theragun Mini
• Best Quiet Massage Gun – Ekrin Athletics B37
• Best Gentle Massage Gun – Wahl Deep Tissue Massager
• Most Powerful Massage Gun – Achedaway Pro
• Best Value Massage Gun – Sportneer Elite D9
• Most High Tech Massage Gun – Theragun Elite

The fourth-generation Theragun Pro is as elite as they come in the massage gun market. While the $600 price tag can appear steep, this is the percussive therapy gun used by professional sports teams and athletes. The Theragun Pro delivers an unprecedented sixty pounds of maximum force without stalling (compare that to the 30 pounds that the humble Theragun Prime delivers), setting the gun apart from the rest and earning its position at the top.

With the QX150 professional-grade motor, you can reach deep tissue pain that even massage therapists can’t. And with a decibel output that hovers around that of a quiet vacuum cleaner, you don’t have to worry about waking neighbors in the process. This is the gun for extreme athletes and those suffering pain that can’t be resolved with a simple back rub: With its ruthless ability to take on injuries that linger deep in the muscles, the most stubborn sore spots can’t escape the power of this massage gun.

A lot of athletes understand the annoyances of packing for the day. Maybe you’re trying to catch a quick leg day at the gym before work; running to spar once the clock hits five; or dealing with the intricacies of lugging around your clean and dirty clothes. Even any and all equipment needed for your planned workout routine, can become a workout on its own. The Hyperice Hypervolt GO is a 1.5-pound massage gun that can be thrown into your gym bag without adding to your back’s tension. This gun is versatile, surprisingly strong, and easily controlled — a one-click ready-to-go button is one favorite feature on the Hypervolt. Plus, the gun has a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that lends more than enough juice for the average endurance training session. Making sure to stretch and eat right are two essentials in the post-workout period, and incorporating a gun like the Hypervolt offers one of the easiest ways to help preemptively stop muscle strains, and prevent pain from becoming chronic.

With every injury, it is universal knowledge that your two best friends are ice and heat. The R.I.C.E method (rest, ice, compression and elevation), for example, is one of the most commonly prescribed procedures for any injury. Ice or the cold promptly applied to an injured area reduces inflammation by decreasing blood flow. Heat increases blood circulation helping muscles to relax. Combining these two factors is a recipe for relief from sudden and chronic pain. The HoMedics DuoTemp Pro combines this tried-and-true healing method with modern percussive therapy, giving you a huge advantage over injuries and pain.

The sleek, easy-to-hold and dynamic design of this massage gun and its storage case make for a great on-the-go escape at the office or the gym. Regardless of delivering temperature-based healing, the gun stands out on its own with six attachments to target different muscle groups, four intensity levels and a pressure sensor to help understand your needs. While its extensive technology gives it both a hefty weight and price tag (5.7 pounds, at a cost of about $330), if the gun is in your price range, the DuoTemp is a truly remarkable weapon in the fight against pain.

The Renpho R3 is a small but powerful massage gun delivering up to 3200RPM. At around $100, this gun stands out as a true bargain. If you are looking to experiment with massage guns and see if the hype is true, this is a great gun to start your journey. The Renpho R3 includes five interchangeable head attachments and a sleek carrying case that you can bring anywhere. It has a built-in battery you can charge with your phone’s USB cord that can last up to 80 minutes. One caveat: If you are experiencing significant or chronic muscle pain this gun may not be for you. Its features and strength are limited when compared to top-tier massage guns. However at 45 decibels, it is about as noisy as an electric toothbrush, making it an accessible device to use wherever you are, whenever you need relief.

Some of us can’t handle a long break between training days. Even on a business trip or vacation, we look for any chance to take a run, rent a bike, or try out a new gym. For those nomads who never miss an opportunity to train, the Theragun Mini can be a great tool. Being almost pocket-sized with a built-in battery lasting up to 150 minutes, it makes for a nearby source of relief even when far from home. However, the size and design present some limits — the gun provides only twenty pounds of force and three precise speeds. Despite this, the gun lives up to the Theragun name, with the three levels of percussion scientifically calibrated for efficiency, and enough force to provide sure relief. With the Quietforce technology, you can easily use it on the train or plane. Its obscure design helps to keep its dimensions as compact as possible while assuring easy use that doesn’t stress the hands or wrists. You likely won’t find a smaller massage gun that lives up to the Theragun reputation while also coming in under $200.

Massage guns provide healing and relief for athletes, but when we rest, sometimes we want to be able to watch a movie or enjoy a conversation without the sound of an engine roaring. The Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun is a powerful gun that delivers 56 pounds of force without stalling (or only four pounds less than the TheragunPro) at maximum speed. However, thanks to proprietary sound insulation tech, the gun maintains a decibel count between 48 and 55 (or about as loud as your drip coffee maker). You get a gun that won’t compromise power, but also won’t disrupt the tranquility of that peaceful moment of relief for your body. Notably, this gun has a whopping 8-hour battery life, a two-year warranty and a wide variety of competitive traits. Best of all: Coming in under $230, this gun is a bargain.

Sometimes you want someone to walk on your back because the knots are so bad, and sometimes you want a gentle touch to subdue the stress. With the Wahl Deluxe Massager, you are getting a great tool in percussive therapy without the typical drilling force of other massage guns. Since the Wahl Deluxe is corded, it is likely something you would use at home. That  makes the gun perfect for days off, where inflammation is low and you just want that pulsating light pressure to get the blood circulating and mindfulness flowing. With a 17-inch handle and five included attachment heads, the gun also gives you the ability to tackle hard-to-reach points of tension using a variety of therapeutic techniques.

Some of us active folks irresponsibly put intense training before stretching or other essential self-care. Over time, strains, tightness and knots can become worse, eventually requiring a truly powerful percussive pressure that digs deep in order to heal. The Achedaway Pro is a gun that can shoot deep, and fulfill the expectations of someone seeking an intense deep tissue stimulating massage. The Achedaway Pro comes with a strong, long-lasting battery. At least two to three hours of active use are promised by the company, yet some have claimed to get four hours out of it. At 3200mAh this gun can deliver upwards of eighty pounds of force (rivaling almost all other massage guns on the market) before stalling. That type of pressure is a gift for those with deep-seated, hard-to-reach knots. Unfortunately, the battery does not take a USB cord, which can be frustrating if you lose it. However, the battery is detachable from the device, so if there’s an issue you don’t have to worry about replacing the whole gun. This is the real “sports massage” gun and is recommended highly for those experiencing deep tissue muscle stress.

When picking out a proper massage gun, the two main considerations for most people are price and capability. Available for $100, the Sportneer Elite D9 is a great choice when considering both factors. Depending on your use, you can get between two and six hours from a single charge on its battery. It has six included attachments rivaling the even more expensive massage guns available on the market today. Somehow this gun can reach 3200rpm while maintaining a 30 to 40-decibel volume (or comparable to a whisper in a quiet library). Delivering about 35 pounds of pressure, the gun can get the job done and is well-worth its price tag. Just note that for those seeking a more intense pressure massage, this model may not be for you.

Sometimes the exhaustion or pain from an intense workout leaves you feeling drained. You grab your massage gun for relief, but your whole body is in pain, and you don’t know where to begin. The TheraGun Elite includes smart app technology that via Bluetooth connects to the Therabody app. Over time the app learns from your routines and preferences, helping to customize treatment when you are too spent to discern your needs yourself. The Theragun Elite also has force meter monitoring, helping you understand and apply the pressure you desire. This device is one of the most modern and advanced massage guns you can find today, making it a great choice for those who want to sit down with an unusually intuitive gun.

The build-up of lactic acid and other byproducts of fatigue, like muscle tension, can disrupt our sleep, complicate daily tasks and torment our bodies. A high-quality massage gun with a variety of massage heads and speed settings can help stimulate circulation to the soft-tissues, aiding muscle recovery and bringing radical relief for some. Whether it’s the right ergonomic design for your grip, or powerful enough for a deeply damaged back, picking the right massage gun depends a great deal on an individual’s needs. Here we offer some helpful tips in picking the right tool to give your muscles a massage with maximum impact:

Massage Gun Factors to Consider

Noise: Keeping the noise level down when using a massage gun is a critical consideration for many. Fortunately, both high-end and budget massage guns have incorporated sound-proofing technologies. If keeping decibels down is important to you, check that the gun has a brushless motor, or that the product references a quiet experience. Be aware, however, that guns with a quiet motor might emit less amplitude, but they also might offer a less powerful muscle massage. The top-tier brands can offer both, but at a cost.

Cost: This depends on your budget. However, when adding another recovery tool to your arsenal, you’ll want to closely consider what is — and isn’t — provided based on its price point. For example, the inclusion of multiple massage head attachments, different speed options, and level of motor power are all variables that should be considered when judging if a gun is good value. Compare capabilities of massage guns, factoring which features are and aren’t deal-breakers.

Battery life: Naturally, longer is better when it comes to battery life. But there are a few other considerations as well. For instance, some massage guns have multiple rechargeable batteries, so even if the charge is short, you can swap and charge as needed. Be aware as well that some models use integrated batteries, and if the battery fails, you’ll have to replace the entire product. You should also weigh whether to find a gun that uses a USB cord — guns with less commonly-seen cords can be a pain to replace.