If you’re suffering from continuous muscle pain and fatigue, you might need a massage gun to promote recovery. It’s also perfect for relaxation after a stressful day.
Shopping for a massage gun can be quite fun because you’ll find tons of various options with different designs and features. However, it might be a bit overwhelming to make a decision with all these great options at hand. That’s where we hop in to make things smoother for you.
In the following guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know before picking the best massage gun for you. If you’re looking for a massager that’s a bit smaller and cheaper, check out our list of the best mini massage guns.
Contents
- 1 Best Percussion Massager 2022 – Our Top Picks
- 2 Why Get a Handheld Massage Gun?
- 3 Things to Look for While Shopping for a Massage Gun
- 4 Wrap Up
Here’s our list to get you started plus the current discounts available:
| Image | Product | Current Offer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Ekrin B37 – Best Overall |
Get 20% Off – Save $46 w/ coupon code HMG20 Free case included |
Get The Ekrin Here directly from EkrinAthletics.com |
 |
Theragun PRO – Best High End Model |
Free case included Comes with Bluetooth and Therabody app |
Get The Theragun PRO Today – Check Price on Amazon |
 |
Opove M3 Pro – Best Quiet Massager |
Get 41% Off – Save $80 Free case included |
Save 41% On The Opove – Now only $119! |
 |
Hypervolt 2 (Bluetooth) – Best Vibration Massager w/Bluetooth |
No case included – must be purchased separately (there is a pouch for the massage heads though) |
Check The Hypervolt 2 Price on Amazon |
 |
Lifepro Sonic – Best On A Budget |
Use coupon code EXTRA10 to get an extra 10% off Free case included |
Get The Lifepro Sonic for just $129.99 |
 |
Lifepro Fusion X Heated – Best Heated Massager |
Get extra 10% off with coupon code EXTRA10 Free case included |
Get it for $179.99 (before coupon) |
Best Percussion Massager 2022 – Our Top Picks
In the following list, we’ll review 6 of the best devices available in the massage guns field to help you choose.
1. Ekrin B37 – Best Overall
Ekrin Athletics is one of the biggest names in the massage guns industry, so it’s an easy decision to kick off our list with one of its products. The B37 is among the best overall massage guns to go for on the market. If you’re looking for a convenient, high-quality device that gives you a lot of value for your money, you should definitely take this one into consideration.
It comes with a brushless motor that provides 5 different massage speeds. You can adjust the massager to go from 1,400 to 3,200 percussions per minute.
The device also comes with a nice lithium-ion battery that can last for over 5 hours one a single full-charge.
You’ll also notice that the device is fairly quiet, with noise level reaching 48 decibels on the lowest setting and 55 on the highest one. This makes it ideal for usage without disturbing the people around you.
The device is lightweight and easy to hold. It’s also angled to help the device reach difficult areas while maintaining a one-handed operation.
Ekrin B37 also comes with a lifetime warranty as well as a 60-days return policy if you’re not satisfied with the device. This is more than enough time to test the massager’s limits and see if it’s the right one for you.
Things We Liked
- Excellent value for a highly reasonable price
- Lifetime warranty
- Multiple grip positions for various reach and depth
- Relatively quiet massager
Things We Didn’t Like
- The device is slightly heavier to hold than some competitors
2. Theragun PRO – Best High-End Model
Theragun PRO is not only one of the premium models within Theragun’s devices, but it’s also one of the highest-end models on the market. It’s also a smart device, which means it comes with Bluetooth and an app that can be used to control it, plan your massage routines etc.
The device features some cutting-edge technologies that make it well worth its luxurious price tag.
For example, it comes with a commercial-grade brushless motor that delivers a huge amount of massaging power for serious athletes. In fact, the device can deliver up to 60 lbs of massaging force.
The Theragun PRO is able to deliver up to 1,750 to 2,400 percussion per minute. You can adjust its speed using Theragun’s app. Additionally, the device features both Bluetooth and wireless charging.
It has two large batteries that allow it to last for up to 150 minutes, which is quite low when compared to its price.
Additionally, the massager comes with 4 different arm angles that you can control freely, which is better than many static head options that you’d come across.
Things We Liked
- Significantly stronger motor for excellent tissue penetration
- Bluetooth capability and app
- Comes with 6 different massage heads
- Remarkably quiet for its powerful motor
Things We Didn’t Like
- The battery only lasts for 150 minutes
- The price! It’s one of the most expensive on the market
3. Hypervolt 2 – Best Bluetooth Massager
It can deliver up to 3,200 percussions per minute. These speeds are spread through 3-speed settings, so you can choose the one that fits your requirements the most. With such power in hand, you’ll be able to loosen the tightest muscles.
It’s also highly adjustable, as it comes with 5 massage heads that vary between soft and rigid feel. The unit also weighs less than many competitors, so you’ll be able to hold it for longer.
The only drawback of this device is its relatively short battery life. It can only last for 3 hours per charge. While this might be acceptable for many, it also means that it lasts much less at high speeds.
Things We Liked
- Ultra-high vibration of 3,200 percussions per minute
- Relatively quiet thanks to the Quiet Glide Technology
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- It comes with Bluetooth and an app
Things We Didn’t Like
- It doesn’t come with a case included, so you have to buy one separately. It does have a pouch for the attachment heads though.
4. Opove M3 PRO – Best Quiet Massage Gun
If you’re going to use the percussion massager in public or in your office space, you need to make sure that it does its job quietly. For that, you need a massager like the Opove M3 PRO.
This one produces only 35 decibels at its lowest setting, making it one of the quietest items on the list.
Despite that, it also has a remarkable level of vibration, reaching up to 3,200 percussions per minute at the highest setting (comparable to the Hypervolt!)
The device spans its power over three different speed settings, allowing you to adjust the power and save on battery whenever you need that.
Moreover, the device comes with more than 4 interchangeable massage heads, so you can use the one suitable for your needs.
The device can last for 180 minutes of use on a single charge, which isn’t much. However, it’s still decent for its price.
Things We Liked
- Ultra-quiet
- Comes with a protective hard case
- Powerful vibration
Things We Didn’t Like
- Small battery life for its price
Need more info? See our Opove M3 Pro review
5. Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun – Best On A Budget
If you’re on a budget, you don’t need to compromise on the quality of the massage gun. The Lifepro Sonic is a widely popular device that comes at a fraction of what some other massagers cost.
However, it has a lot of features that give some top-line massagers a run for their money. One of the things that make this model special is also how it looks.
However, this design isn’t only for looks, as it’s also ergonomically designed with a curved handle to make it much easier to use the massager on different areas of the body.
As for its motor, it offers a truly wide range of vibrations of up to 3000 RPM and has a 12mm amplitude (pretty close to the Hypervolt)
It has 5 interchangeable heads so there’s something for everyone.
Things We Liked
- Ideal for buyers on a budget.
- Wide range of vibration speeds (5 different levels)
- Lifetime warranty
- Long battery life of up to 6 hours
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not the quietest massager on the list, but still pretty quiet (especially for the price)
6. LifePro Fusion X – Best Heated Massager
As you already know, increasing blood flow to certain areas helps in speeding up tissue recovery in different areas of your body.
According to research, massage therapy coupled with heat can be an incredibly synergistic combo to enhance your recovery process.
The LifePro Fusion X is specially designed for that specific purpose. The unit comes with a built-in heat generator to add heat to your massage.
It also has a large battery life coupled with an LCD indicator that reads out all the stats of the device.
This means that you’ll be able to enjoy multiple long sessions of usage without worrying about the battery status, as you usually need about 15 minutes per session.
In addition to all that, the device is highly adjustable in terms of speed and modes. You can choose between 5 different speeds and 4 different massaging modes. Moreover, it comes with 5 distinct massage heads for different massaging purposes.
Things We Liked
- Excellent for heated massage therapy
- Features 4 different massaging modes
- Has an LCD indicator for monitoring
Things We Didn’t Like
- Slightly less powerful in terms of depth of massage (lower amplitude of 10mm vs 12-16mm for the other massage guns)
Why Get a Handheld Massage Gun?
Using a handheld massage gun can pack a wide range of benefits and perks to its users. This includes massage benefits and convenience advantages as well.
Let’s have a quick overview of some of the reasons why investing in a massage gun is a great idea.
Reduces Muscle Soreness After Workouts
According to comprehensive studies, massage and percussion therapy have been proven to help in reducing the effects of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
The study also shows the effect of therapeutic techniques in reducing swelling and inflammation as well as muscle fatigue, especially with a good therapist.
One of the best things about handheld massage guns is that it almost mirrors the performance of a highly efficient percussion massage professional.
In fact, even science supports this claim. According to another study that compares real percussion therapists to massage guns, both of them had similar outcomes. This includes reducing DOMS symptoms, inflammation, and muscle fatigue.
Excellent Way to Save Money and Time on Recovery Therapy
Although percussion massage guns can be a bit pricey, they can technically help you save a lot of money in the long run.
If you’re an athletic person who always exerts a lot of energy and power during workouts, you’ll need recovery therapy to help you overcome your muscle tenderness.
However, with our busy lives, you’d be lucky if you can spare time for an appointment or two every week. Let alone how expensive it can get during rush hours.
Not only that but if you want to get the best recovery experience, you need professional massagers who will set you back quite a hefty sum.
That’s where massage guns come to the rescue. With a massage gun, you’ll be able to squeeze all the percussion massage sessions into your schedule without having to pay a lot of money for it.
Pleasant Massage Helps in Soothing Chronic Stress
Massage therapy isn’t exclusive to muscle recovery. In fact, a lot of research has been done to study the effects of massage on relieving or soothing stress.
According to a trial in Miami Valley Hospital in Ohio, even a session as little as five minutes can reduce perceived stress significantly.
Most massage guns are able to simulate this pleasant sensation by using them in a low-speed setting and replacing the rigid standard ball with soft massage heads. This way, you’ll be able to unwind every day after a long day at work.
Highly Portable Devices
If you suffer from chronic pains in your joints or muscles, a massage session would help you soothe that pain.
However, if you’re a traveler who’s always on the go, it might be a bit inconvenient for you to look for a local trustworthy health club. Instead, you can pack your own handy massage therapist in your bag!
Most massage guns are designed to be highly portable and lightweight. Additionally, they’re usually battery-powered, so you can use them in remote areas. For example, in the woods after a long rucking or hiking trip.
Things to Look for While Shopping for a Massage Gun
There’s a wide variety of percussion massage guns that you can find out there while shopping. However, to call a massage gun “one of the best”, it needs to comply with multiple features and aspects that make it a functional and worthy investment.
In the following section, we’ll discuss these crucial points briefly, so you can identify the requirements you need the most.
Motor Power
The power of the motor is one of the fundamental aspects that you should always explore deeply.
The motor’s power level has a direct impact on a lot of other aspects within a handheld massage gun. The most basic one is massaging rigidity. For example, a more powerful motor means a stronger massage effect, which is ideal for post-workout recovery.
One of the terms that you should know about massagers is the stall force. This term describes the amount of pressure that you need to apply to the massage gun before the motor stalls.
A powerful motor will is essential to score an acceptable level when it comes to percussion power and stall force. That’s why you should always look for a massage gun with a heavy-duty brushless motor.
These ones are highly efficient when compared to other types of motors. They produce enough force to allow for a deep tissue massage without adding additional bulk to the unit’s size.
Not only that but they also contribute to the level of quietness of the unit. But more on that in the noise level section.
Adjustability and Speed Settings
Although a powerful motor is always a plus to a massager, too much power can also be problematic, especially if you’re looking for a comfortable and calming session.
For that reason, a handheld massage gun should have a wide range of massage speeds, so you can pick the one that suits your needs. Usually, massage speeds are measured in percussion per minute.
Ideally, a massage gun should have a wide range of percussion per minute. The minimum should go as low as 1,600 percussions per minute or less for comfort.
On the other hand, it should also have a maximum of about 2,400 or more for sore muscle recovery.
You should be able to choose the speed settings comfortably using an easy-to-use rocker button or similar mechanisms.
Ergonomic Design and Portability
The design of the massage gun will play a huge role in its level of efficiency. A massager has to feel comfortable in the hand while being able to do its job properly.
For example, some devices look nice but are really difficult to hold while vibrating intensely. Always look for a massager that has comfortable handles that are designed with the holding hand in mind.
If you’re looking for further adjustability and control over the unit, you can look for devices with adjustable massaging heads rather than the fixed ones.
These massagers are mounted on a movable axis that allows you to change the angle of the massaging head.
Also, don’t forget to check the device’s weight and make sure you’re able to hold it for as long as your session is. After all, you aren’t using the massager to add more fatigue to your arms.
Battery Life
It would be really counter-intuitive to use a massage gun with long cords wrapping around you. That’s why most massage guns are cordless and run using a battery.
As a rule of thumb, all massage guns that operate on a lithium-ion battery have relatively long battery life and higher safety score.
Most massage guns on the market offer 4 to 7 hours of low-setting operation before they run out of juice.
If you’re looking for even longer battery life, you may be able to find some. However, you should know that longer battery life usually means a heavier and bulkier unit.
Since most massage sessions would take about 15 minutes, a massager with anything more than 3 hours is more than enough to last you a week on a single charge.
Noise Level
While speaking about the brushless motors, you knew that they affect some other crucial aspects of a massage gun. One of these aspects is actually the loudness of the device.
Due to intense vibration, all massage guns produce a noticeable buzz while used. If you want to use a massage gun in your office or in a gym, you have to make sure that it isn’t too loud that it disturbs other people around you. The quietest massage guns on the market today are around 35dB-55dB.
Brushless motors allow for less friction between the motor components. As a result, these devices usually score less than 60 decibels, which is less than a refrigerator hum.
Massage Heads and Other Accessories
You should also check the number of massage heads that come ready with the device. This will also add to the value of the package. Ideally, you need at least 4 or 5 heads with different rigidity levels.
Wrap Up
There you have it. A full product review and a buyer’s guide to help you pick the best massage gun for you.
We recommend Ekrin B37 as the best overall massage gun for many reasons. It comes with 6 different massaging heads and a protective case. Also, it’s performed perfectly in terms of power and battery life.
However, if you’re on a budget, you can go for Lifepro Sonic. It has everything you might need in a massage gun without poking a hole in your wallet!
