The Top 8 Best Massage Guns for 2024 | Tested and Trusted (How They Work, Features, Pros & Cons and Our Top Choice)

Your body needs good rest for healing and building muscles after your workouts. Effective ways to recover include eating well, taking a break, and getting enough sleep.

You can use one of the best massage guns available to ease sore muscles or prepare them before exercising. Massage guns use percussive therapy, a type of soft tissue massage using vibrations to relieve muscle tension. This therapy can help with aches, muscle soreness, knots, tension, and other pains.

If giving yourself a muscle-pummeling massage appeals to you, one of the best massage guns available could be a good choice. These devices aim to relax your body by getting rid of knots, boosting circulation, reducing muscle pain and soreness, and easing inflammation, among other benefits.

While there's not a lot of solid scientific proof of their effectiveness, and they can be noisy and pricey, many people find massage guns helpful for recovering after a workout or a long day.

People who work out often use one of the best massage guns available for maintenance between workouts or when they wake up with sore muscles. With so many options available, we tested the best massage guns available for over a month, considering factors like the massage gun's quality, amplitude, noise levels, settings variability, and additional features.

Use this guide to find the best massage gun that suits your lifestyle, budget, and needs. We compared 24 of the best massage guns side by side and chose the top 8 best massage guns in 2024 likely to provide a satisfying experience for people with different priorities.

Moving on.

What is a Massage Gun and How Does Massage Guns Work?

A handheld massage gun is a device that gives quick, repeated strikes to the body, mimicking a Swedish massage technique called tapotement. There are three terms often mentioned in massage gun specifications:

• Amplitude: This measures how far the device's shaft moves in and out to make contact with your body. A greater amplitude, measured in millimeters, means a deeper massage, theoretically.
• Percussions per minute (ppm): This is the rate at which the device drums into your body.
• Stall force: It indicates the amount of pressure, measured in pounds, that you can apply before the motor stops.

Most massage guns have various attachments for targeting specific muscles or delivering specific massages. Smaller attachments work well on areas like feet, hands, and calves, while rounder, wider shapes are suitable for larger muscle groups such as quads, glutes, and hamstrings.

Massage guns are generally noisy and, depending on sensitivity, can be quite intense. They function by rapidly and repeatedly punching the body, causing blood vessels to dilate.

This action helps hydrate muscle tissue with blood and can aid in releasing knots, as explained by Ericka Clinton, dean of the massage therapy program at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences and a licensed massage therapist in New York.

How We Picked and Tested to Know the Top Best Massage Guns

To understand and know everything there is to know about the best massage guns, we read reviews, considered popular models with positive owner feedback, and selected 24 massage guns for testing. During three weeks, we used the guns after workouts and before runs, focusing on specific criteria:

• Massage Experience: We paid attention to three main specs - amplitude, percussions per minute, and stall force. We checked how these factors combined for a satisfying massage experience, preferring devices with various speeds. Additionally, we ran each gun for 15 minutes at different speeds to ensure they didn't overheat.
• Handling Comfort: We evaluated the handle's shape and orientation, assessing how comfortable it was to hold and whether it allowed for multiple grip positions.
• Controls: We looked for easily accessible control buttons, ideally operable with one hand. We noted if the buttons were too sensitive or difficult to press.
• Weight and Feel: We personally weighed each massage gun and considered how it felt in our hands. Factors like handle length, diameter, shape, and material contributed to ergonomic comfort.
• Attachments: We sought devices with a variety of attachments for easier and more comfortable access to different muscles. We also noted the material and stability of the attachments, ensuring they didn't pop out during use.
• Noise Level: We tested the guns while listening to a podcast or watching a TV show without headphones, noting if the noise level hindered our ability to hear.
• Battery Life: We observed the overall battery life, checking if a massage gun lost its charge earlier than promised (typically two to three hours of cumulative use). A clear battery-level indicator on the device was also considered.
• Portability: Recognizing the need to carry a massage gun to the gym, different rooms at home, or on a trip, we considered portability. A carrying case was deemed helpful for both transportation and storage.
• Warranty: We took note of the warranty offered by each model, recognizing the common issues reported in customer reviews, such as batteries not charging, motors failing, or attachments not holding. Most models had a one-year warranty, with one exception offering a lifetime warranty.

The 8 Top Best Massage Guns of 2024

• Best Massage Gun For Beginners - Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun

Lifepro's Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun is friendlier than other powerful massage guns and not as loud. Its battery lasts three to six hours and has five speeds ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 revolutions per minute.

The Sonic's LED panel conveniently displays all the speeds and battery life in one place, making it easy to understand. The Sonic boasts the most massage head attachments among the massage guns on this list.

However, it's larger, making it unsuitable for travel. I found that I needed to set it at the highest speed to feel its power, unlike heavy-duty massage guns like the Theragun, where you can sense intensity even at the lowest setting. The design of the Sonic's body, made of plastic, could be sturdier.

Overall, if you're new to percussive therapy, this is a budget-friendly option that provides a complete experience.

Features

• Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Amplitude: 12 mm
• Speed Settings: 5 speeds
• Battery Life: 3-6 hours
• Noise: Not listed
• Customization: No

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Motor runs quietly
• The LED display is simple to read for adjusting settings
• Comes with various massage head choices
• Affordable
• Includes a handy carrying case

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• Needs to be set to the last two settings for strong power
• Plastic design may look less sturdy.

• Best Massage Gun for Every Budget - The Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun

The Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun may not have the fancy appearance of other massage guns mentioned here, but it gets the job done. It has a spinning head that you can adjust in five positions using a big button on the side.

This function is like the Theragun Pro, making it handy to target tricky spots. The R4 Pro includes six attachments: L ball head, M ball head, fork, bullet, flat, and air-cushioned head.

For control, there's a power button with a display showing four speeds (ranging from 1,200 to 3,200 percussions per minute) and the battery level. The battery lasts about two hours, similar to the Theragun Pro.

With a 10 mm amplitude, it doesn't go as deep as the Theragun Pro. If you're after a budget-friendly massage gun with high-end features (minus the app), the Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun is a good choice. At $60, it's a reasonable alternative to shelling out hundreds on a similar massage gun.

Features

• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Amplitude: 10 mm
• Speed settings: 4 speeds
• Battery Life: 2 hours
• Noise: 45 decibels
• Customization: No

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Quiet even though it's a hefty massager
• A solid choice compared to the Theragun Pro 5th generation
• Allows adjusting the massage head angle for tricky spots
• Simple and straightforward to operate.

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• Not as fancy-looking as the pricier massage guns
• Battery life could be a bit longer.

• Best Lightweight Massage Gun - Hyperice Hypervolt 2

The Hypervolt 2 stands out as the lightest massage gun among others (excluding the minis), weighing in at 1.8 pounds. It's the second version of the popular Hypervolt massage gun, offering three speeds. Thanks to its QuietGlide Technology, it's quieter compared to some rivals.

This massage gun comes with five head attachments: fork, ball, cushion, flat, and bullet head. It boasts a 3-hour battery life and is TSA-friendly, making it convenient for travel.

Additionally, the Hypervolt 2 is equipped with Bluetooth capability which connects to the Hyperice app available for iPhones and Androids.

The app provides pre-set massage routines targeting specific body parts or aiding sleep. You can also create a custom massage routine based on muscle groups, eliminating the confusion of how to use the massage gun, which attachments to choose from, and for how long.

While the Hypervolt 2 could improve its handle for reaching tricky spots like the back, and I would have preferred more speed options (available in the Hypervolt 2 Pro), it remains a user-friendly, lightweight, and quiet choice for those seeking a straightforward massage gun.

Features

• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Amplitude: 12 mm
• Speed settings: 3 speeds
• Battery Life: 3 hours
• Noise: Not listed
• Customization: Yes, via the Hyperice app

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Quiet
• Lightweight
• Great for travel
• Comes with built-in massage routines through an app

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• No travel case included
• Limited to three speeds
• Can be challenging to massage tricky spots.

• Best Massage Gun With Best Battery Life - Ekrin Athletics B37S

The Ekrin Athletics B37S Percussion Massager stands out with its extended eight-hour battery life, making it the lengthiest among all the massage guns listed.

It offers five adjustable speeds, ranging from 1,400 to 3,200 percussions per minute, delivering up to 56 pounds of deep percussive force to tackle those hard-to-reach knots. With six head attachments, you have a variety of options to choose from.

This massage gun is robust and less cumbersome compared to others with multiple features. The power button, located at the top of the handle, easily controls the speed. Even at the lowest speed setting, the B37S exhibits a potent performance.

Comparable to elite massage guns like Theragun and Hypervolt, the B37S comes with a similar price tag (over $300), but it outshines both in battery life. This is crucial if you prefer not to frequently charge your massage gun. If battery longevity matters to you, the Ekrin Athletics B37S is a satisfying choice.

Features

• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Amplitude: 12 mm
• Speed settings: 5 speeds
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Noise: 35-55 decibels
• Customization: No

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Lasts a long time on one charge
• Makes less noise compared to many other massage guns
• The handle is designed at an angle for added comfort.

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• Costs a bit much
• Might be a tad large for travel purposes.

• Best Mini Massage Gun For Travel - Ekrin Athletics Bantam

Compact massage guns are getting popular, and the Ekrin Athletics Bantam stands out as an excellent choice for travel. It's sleek, slim, light, and about the size of an iPhone, making it easy to carry. Holding it is comfortable, and with a six-hour battery life, it outlasts many other mini massage guns.

The Bantam comes with a travel case and four head attachments, offering more variety than its rival, the Theragun Mini second generation, which only has three attachments.

With three speeds ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 percussions per minute, a 10 mm amplitude, and up to 35 pounds of pressure, the Bantam provides flexibility and power. It operates quietly yet effectively, even at the lowest settings.

The only drawback is the simple design. The power button at the bottom of the handle also controls the speed, but unfortunately, there's no way to know the speed level without cycling through each one. Despite this, if you need a reliable massage gun for the gym or travel, the Bantam is a solid choice.

Features

• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amplitude: 10 mm
• Speed settings: 3 speeds
• Battery life: 6 hours
• Noise: Not listed
• Customization: No

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Lasts a long time on a single charge
• Comes with a travel case
• Packs a punch in terms of power
• Easy on the shoulders.

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• Controls for power and speed share one button.

• Most Powerful Mini Massage Gun - Theragun Mini (2nd gen)

The second-generation Theragun Mini, like its siblings, brings a strong impact. It's an upgraded Mini in the Theragun lineup, surpassing the original. The newer Theragun Mini is quieter, 20% smaller, and 30% lighter than the initial version.

Unlike its predecessor, the second-gen Mini comes with three attachments, enhancing its versatility. This massage gun boasts three speeds, ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute, providing varied intensity.

With a 12 mm amplitude, it offers a deep massage, surpassing the Bantam massage gun's 10 mm amplitude. Maintaining the solid ergonomic handle of the original Mini, the second-gen Theragun Mini retains its compact form.

The power button serves dual purposes, controlling the speed and indicating the level with lights. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing linkage with the Therabody app for added functionality.

However, a drawback is the lack of a clear indicator for recharging the massage gun, posing a challenge in determining when it needs power. Despite this, if you seek a compact yet potent massage gun for on-the-go use, the Theragun Mini proves to be a commendable choice.

Features

• Weight: 1 pound
• Amplitude: 12 mm
• Speed settings: 3 speeds
• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Noise: Not listed
• Customization: Yes, via the Therabody app

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Smaller and lighter
• Powerful
• Suitable for travel or on-the-go use

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• Difficulty in determining battery life
• Travel case could be improved.

• Best Massage Gun For Serious Athletes - Theragun Pro (5th gen)

The latest Theragun Pro, the fifth generation, comes with improvements in its design compared to the older model. It's now 20% quieter, smaller, and a bit lighter, weighing 2.76 pounds versus the original 2.91 pounds.

Therabody maintained key features such as an adjustable head angle, five speeds, a 150-minute battery life, 16 mm amplitude, and 60 pounds of pressure.

New enhancements include customizable speed ranges and guided routines displayed on the OLED screen: Sleep, Warm Up, Recovery, and Theragun Break. It also introduces the Micropoint attachment for increased stimulation, along with Bluetooth connectivity for easy control through the Therabody app.

Upon activation, the noticeable reduction in noise compared to the previous version is evident. Despite its quietness, it remains powerful even at the lowest speed. The retained rotating arm makes it convenient for targeting challenging areas.

However, it's worth noting that the latest Pro is still the most expensive massage gun on the list. While it may not be the ideal choice for everyone, individuals with a high level of physical activity, like athletes, may find it beneficial due to its comprehensive features.

Features

• Weight: 2.76 pounds
• Amplitude: 16 mm
• Speed settings: 5 speeds
• Battery life: 150 minutes
• Noise: 20% quieter; uses QuietForce Technology
• Customization: Yes, via the Therabody app

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Most powerful massage gun on the list
• 20% quieter than the previous model
• Lighter than the older version
• Offers customizable and preset programs.

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• Costly
• Might be intimidating for the average person
• Upgrades are not significantly different from the last version

• Best Overall Massage Gun - The Theragun Elite

The Theragun Elite is a strong and user-friendly massage gun with a comfortable grip. It delivers 40 pounds of pressure and offers five built-in speeds, ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute.

With a 16-millimeter amplitude, it reaches deep into the muscles. The Elite comes with five attachments: a dampener, standard ball, wedge, thumb, and cone. To assist you, it allows access to preset guided routines through the Therabody app, available for both iPhone and Android.

Featuring a 120-minute battery life, the Elite displays its current speed setting and remaining battery on a screen once turned on.

Positioned between the Theragun Pro Gen 5 and the Theragun Prime, it stands out for its user-friendly design and greater power than the Prime. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned athletes, the Elite effectively tackles knots and soothes sore muscles.

Despite being touted as one of Theragun's quieter models, the Elite can be on the louder side, especially at higher power levels. Additionally, its battery life is shorter compared to other guns on the list. If you plan to use the massage gun primarily at home, the Theragun Elite is a reliable choice.

Ideal for those willing to invest in a potent, well-designed massage gun with a premium feel, the Elite is Bluetooth-enabled for pairing with your phone and following guided programs through the app. It also boasts an OLED screen, ensuring easy readability of settings.

Features

• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Amplitude: 16 mm
• Speed settings: 5 built-in speeds
• Battery Life: 120 minutes
• Noise: 65-68 decibels
• Customization: Yes, via the Therabody app

What’s Good About It - The Pros

• Easy usage
• Comes with a carrying case for safe storage
• OLED screen for easy settings reading
• Control through Therabody app.

The Cons (Not Big Issues)

• Costly
• Wireless charging stand is extra
• Battery life could be made longer
• The sound it generates is loud.

So, What are the Benefits of Using Massage Guns?

Evidence suggests that using hands for manual massage can reduce pain and improve function in the short term. However, when it comes to the benefits of massage guns specifically, there isn't much solid data.

According to Christie Aschwanden, a science journalist and author, the advantages of these tools are likely to be minimal. Aschwanden emphasizes that a massage gun can't flush lactic acid or get rid of cellulite. It may boost circulation, but so can a simple walk.

What we do know is that using a massage gun won't eliminate muscle soreness caused by lactic acid. However, it can help target tight spots in your shoulders after a workday, providing a lively warm-up before a workout, or easing leg discomfort after a run.

Ultimately, the use of a massage gun can feel good, contributing to the basic level of recovery through rest and rejuvenation. Anything that aids in this process is considered beneficial, according to Aschwanden.

Who are Massage Guns For?

If you often feel the effects of bending over a phone or computer at work or experience aches from your job, a massage gun could be appealing. It's helpful for chronic tight spots, sore muscles, or just enjoying a percussive massage.

Athletes, including weekend warriors, find massage guns popular. They can enhance what a massage therapist, physical therapist, or athletic trainer offers, without causing strain on their hands, wrists, and elbows. According to Ericka Clinton from the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, it provides a lot of benefits in a short time.

However, massage guns might not be easy to use for people with difficulty grasping objects. If you're considering trying one but unsure if it's suitable for you, consult your doctor or a medical professional.

Some situations, like bleeding or skin disorders, high-risk pregnancies, recent surgeries, nervous-system disorders, or cancer, could prevent their use. A 2021 study in China called for more research on massage gun safety.

If general massage discomfort or easy bruising is an issue for you, a massage gun might not be the best choice; you can consider using a foam roller, though it may also come with some discomfort.

How Should You Use a Massage Gun to Get the Best Out of It?

Using massage guns is pretty straightforward. To get started, pick an attachment that suits the muscle group you're focusing on. Our recommendations include a basic manual, guiding you on which attachments to use for different body areas. You can also check out a beginner-friendly video for an overview.

After that, switch on the massage gun before touching it to your body. Choose a speed, starting from the lowest and increasing gradually. Glide the attachment over the targeted area, adjusting the pressure as needed.

If you're warming up for exercise, focus on a specific area for about 30 seconds. For post-activity recovery or relaxation, spend one to two minutes per area, gently holding the massage gun on knots or tender spots.

It's crucial not to overdo it. The process shouldn't be painful. Avoid using the massage gun on bony areas, directly over joints or tendons, or on open wounds or acute injuries. How often you use it depends on your goals, needs, and tolerance, whether it's a few times a day, once a day, or less frequently. Using it excessively may lead to bruising.

Keep in mind not to force it, as advised by Christopher Hicks, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine. For instance, if you're dealing with shoulder tightness and have limited range of motion, trying to use a massage gun might not be the best idea.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Massage Gun

• Consider how much you want to spend on a massage gun because a good one can range from $100 to $600.
• Decide if you want a heavy-duty version or if a less intense massage gun would be satisfactory.
• Some massage guns provide either vibration or percussion therapy. To simplify, vibration therapy sends vibrations and consistently touches the skin's surface, while percussive therapy applies pressure to go deeper into the muscles and moves on and off the skin. Many people prefer the latter.
• Think about how often you'll use the massage gun. If it's frequent, then you should look for one with a decent battery life.
• Also, decide if you plan to take it while traveling or on the go. There are smaller massage guns available for these purposes.

So, Which Massage Gun Do We Recommend as the Overall Top Best Massage Gun?

After trying out more than 17 highly-rated massage guns, we concluded that the Theragun Elite stands out as the best choice. It's user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts.

The handle has a simple-to-read screen, making it easy to track the speed and remaining battery life of your massage gun. Additionally, its amplitude, which indicates how deeply it works into your muscles, is higher compared to other massage guns.

Therabody, a well-respected brand with a variety of recovery products, ensures you're getting a high-quality massage gun. If you're not a fan of the usual loud percussion noise that comes with massage guns, you might prefer a quieter option from our list, like the Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun or the Ekrin Athletics Bantam.

What about the Hyperice Hypervolt 2?

We checked out different massage guns to find the best one, including the compact gray Hyperice Hypervolt 2. Hyperice is known alongside Therabody for its massage guns. The Hypervolt 2 is priced similarly to Therabody's Theragun Prime, but it doesn't quite match up in some aspects.

Compared to the Theragun Prime, the Hypervolt 2 has a smaller amplitude (12 mm instead of 16 mm) and fewer speeds (three instead of five). However, it has a slightly higher maximum speed (2,700 ppm versus 2,400 ppm).

The shape is more conventional, unlike the triangular Theragun Prime, making it slimmer and more petite. The oval handle is comfortable with a good grip, suitable for those with smaller hands. Yet, the handle's width might be uncomfortable for some, according to one tester.

Unlike the Theragun Prime, you can't cycle through speeds on the Hypervolt 2, but it's not a dealbreaker. The handle has a light at the bottom indicating battery life in green, yellow, or red, a nice touch compared to Theragun Prime's LED lights.

The Hypervolt 2 comes with five attachments (one more than the Theragun Prime), including four plastic ones (ball, bullet, flat, fork) and one made of soft rubbery material (cushion). While they're comfortable and versatile, they don't quite match up to the Theragun Prime's closed-cell foam attachments.

The Hypervolt 2 has Bluetooth and connects to the simple Hyperice app, similar to the Theragun app. Both apps offer guided programs tailored to specific sports, activities, or body parts. Like the Theragun Prime, the Hypervolt 2 is a bit loud in our tests. It comes with a small pouch for storage.

Other Good Massage Guns We Tested

• Hypervolt 2 Pro: The next version of the Hypervolt 2 is louder and heavier than I'd prefer, but it comes with five speeds. If you feel the speeds on the Hypervolt 2 are not cutting it, this could be a good choice.
• Hypervolt Go 2: The smaller Hypervolt for travel lacks power and doesn't include a travel case. It's a decent option if you want something quieter than the Theragun Mini.
• Theragun Prime: This Theragun seems a bit pricey for its simplicity. But if you're a loyal Theragun fan and want a straightforward massage gun, the Prime is your best option.
• Theragun Pro (4th gen): The fourth-generation Theragun didn't make the cut because the fifth-gen improved things and is quieter. If you don't care about the updates, you can get the fourth-gen for $100 less.
• Theragun Mini (1st gen): The original Theragun Mini is bulkier and noisier than the new version. It's a good choice for a small, on-the-go massage gun, and it's $20 cheaper.
• Vybe Flex Percussion: This massage gun has cheap plastic attachments and is not as powerful as others. It's affordable, making it an option if you don't want to spend too much.
• Vybe Pro Percussion: Compared to other guns, Vybe Pro looks less fancy, and the buttons feel fragile. The long arm adds weight to the gun, making it less appealing.
• Lifepro DynaMini: This mini lacks power unless you crank it to the last two settings. A non-slip rubber coating on the handle would be beneficial due to its heavy metal construction.
• Renpho Mini: An affordable, pocket-sized massage gun with a simple design, but it's all plastic, raising durability concerns if it falls.

For a milder massage and a longer handle reach option, Lyric’s The Therapeutic Massager might interest you. It's more of a handheld massager, focusing on vibration frequencies for relaxation, energy, and calm.

The sleek Lyric massager, available in two colors, is lightweight and comes with a handle extender for hard-to-reach areas. Its four soft attachments offer a gentler massage style. The Lyric massager requires Wi-Fi for updates and comes with a dock-style charging station.

The Competition

Therabody Theragun Massage Guns

The Theragun Relief is the cheapest massager in Therabody’s line, weighing just over 1.3 pounds. It has three speeds adjusted by a button on the back and comes with three attachments: a dampener, a standard ball, and a thumb.

However, its battery tends to run out quickly, despite being claimed to last two hours on a full charge. Some users noted that it often dies before reaching that time.

The Therabody Theragun Elite is a pricier version of the Therabody Theragun Prime, featuring five attachments instead of four, a higher stall force (40 pounds versus 30 pounds), and an OLED display instead of LED lights.

Despite these upgrades, the overall experience of the Elite and the Prime is quite similar. Most users would likely be satisfied with the Prime, considering the similarities.

For those seeking a massage gun that focuses on relaxation as much as muscle relief, the Theragun Sense might be the right fit. It offers visually guided routines and breathing exercises for a calmer massage experience.

The instructions appear on a small monitor on the back of the gun, with additional feedback when connected to the Therabody app. The finger sensor provides a heart rate reading.

However, the device's sound is a significant drawback, becoming louder and rattling quickly. Despite claiming a two-hour battery life, users often found it lasting less, especially during guided sessions.

The Theragun Pro Plus comes with additional features like infrared LED light therapy and special attachments for vibration and heat therapy, claiming to reach 131 degrees. Controlled by an LED screen on the handle, it offers five attachments.

While the heat felt pleasant during massages, we question whether it justifies the nearly double cost compared to the recommended Theragun Prime. Some customer reviews also mentioned issues with the Pro Plus battery not holding a charge.

The Rest

We enjoyed using the Addaday BioZoom Edge Percussion Massager (currently not available). It has two ways to adjust speeds – two buttons on the handle near your thumb and a touchscreen on top.

You can cycle through speeds easily. However, the attachments, though cheerful with a round, yellow smiley face, felt cheap and a bit silly. Some specific ones popped out during use, which was a downside.

The Aduro Percussion Massage Gun is the most affordable among those we tested, but it showed in our tests. The body felt plasticky, and the four hard-plastic attachments, including a flat version with a small, sharp irregularity, felt cheap. The overall quality was iffy, ruling it out of contention.

The Compex Fixx 2.0 Massager has a multi-grip handle like the Therabody Theragun Prime's but felt unbalanced at about 3 pounds. Instead of buttons, it has an adjustment dial, which is hard to control.

Despite a decent two-year warranty and a neck that can move into three positions, it felt plasticky, and the struggles with the adjustment dial were a drawback.

We almost chose the Flyby F1Pro Deep Tissue Massage Gun due to its right price (usually under $100) and a solid massage despite a lower-quality feel. However, our unit rattled because the attachment connection point shifted slightly from side to side within the device.

The Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun, one of the cheaper models, felt that way. It has a curved neck adjustable into five positions, but it was hard to move. The large foam ball attachment popped out a couple of times at the highest speed.

The Sharper Image Power Percussion Deep Tissue Massager (currently unavailable) is relatively inexpensive, with six speeds, six attachments, and an easy-to-read digital display. However, it advertises a Whisper-Quiet Motor, which is only noticeable in the lowest setting.

It gets loud as you increase the speed and tends to skip against the hamstrings, providing a less satisfying massage. One tester noted it feeling heavy after a while, weighing 2.19 pounds, making it one of the heaviest models.

We didn't mind using the Sportneer Elite D9 Percussive Massage Gun (currently unavailable). The handle was comfortable, delivering a satisfying massage. However, the attachments felt cheap to us.

The TimTam All-New Power Massager was loud and intense, almost like something from a horror movie. It comes with just one attachment, a hard ball, and has the lowest continuous battery life (40 minutes) among our test group. It may have its fans, but one note sums it up: "This thing is nuts."

The Vybe Premium Muscle Massage Gun is nearly identical to the Ekrin Athletics B37, one of our picks. However, it has a lower stall force (30 pounds versus 56 pounds), a shorter amplitude (10 mm versus 12 mm), and a less generous warranty (90 days versus lifetime). Despite these differences, it was comfortable to use.