Best Massage Guns of 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Relieving Muscle Soreness
A little muscle soreness is a common after-effect of a tough workout, but it can be uncomfortable and slow down your recovery. While eating well and getting plenty of rest can help your body heal, sometimes your muscles need a bit more attention. Even if you’re not hitting the gym, daily stresses, chronic illnesses, or the natural aging process can cause aches and pains. That’s where massage guns come in. These devices use percussive therapy to give your muscles a soft tissue massage, relieving aches, knots, and tension.
If you’re considering purchasing a massage gun, you’re not alone. The market is filled with options, but not all of them are worth your money. We’ve tested 17 of the top-rated massage guns to find the best ones for every need, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for some relief from everyday aches and pains. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best massage guns available in 2024.
Best Overall Massage Gun: Theragun Elite
The Theragun Elite stands out as the best overall massage gun in 2024. This device is a powerhouse, offering deep muscle penetration with its 16mm amplitude, which is crucial for effective muscle recovery. It’s perfect for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts, thanks to its user-friendly interface. The OLED screen on the handle displays the speed settings and battery life, making it easy to monitor your sessions.
The Elite provides up to 40 pounds of pressure, with five speeds ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute. It comes with five attachments, including a dampener, standard ball, wedge, thumb, and cone, offering versatility for targeting different muscle groups. One of its standout features is the ability to access guided routines via the Therabody app, available on both iPhone and Android. This feature is particularly useful for beginners who might need some help getting started.
However, the Theragun Elite isn’t without its flaws. Despite being marketed as one of Theragun’s quieter models, it can still be on the louder side, especially at higher power settings. Additionally, its 120-minute battery life is shorter than some of the other massage guns on this list. But if you’re planning to use it primarily at home, the Theragun Elite is a top-notch choice.
Pros:
- High amplitude for deep muscle penetration
- User-friendly OLED screen
- Guided routines via Therabody app
- Versatile with five attachments
Cons:
- Louder than expected
- Shorter battery life
Best Massage Gun with Longest Battery Life: Ekrin Athletics B37S
If battery life is a priority for you, the Ekrin Athletics B37S is your best bet. This massage gun boasts an impressive eight-hour battery life, the longest of any model we’ve tested. The B37S offers five adjustable speeds, ranging from 1,400 to 3,200 percussions per minute, and delivers up to 56 pounds of pressure. This makes it powerful enough to tackle even the toughest muscle knots.
The B37S is also equipped with six interchangeable head attachments, giving you plenty of options for targeting different muscle groups. Despite its power, the B37S is relatively compact and easy to handle. The power button is conveniently located at the top of the handle, making it simple to adjust the speed during your massage.
In terms of performance, the B37S is on par with high-end brands like Theragun and Hypervolt, but with the added benefit of superior battery life. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to worry about constantly recharging your device, the Ekrin Athletics B37S is the massage gun for you.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life
- Powerful with 56 pounds of force
- Six head attachments
- Compact and easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive, comparable to high-end brands
Best Mini Massage Gun for Travel: Ekrin Athletics Bantam
For those who need a massage gun on the go, the Ekrin Athletics Bantam is the best mini option available. Despite its compact size—it’s about the size of an iPhone—the Bantam doesn’t compromise on power. It offers three speeds ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 percussions per minute and delivers up to 35 pounds of pressure with a 10mm amplitude.
The Bantam is lightweight and comes with a travel case and four head attachments, making it a versatile option for gym sessions or travel. Its six-hour battery life is impressive for a mini massage gun, ensuring that it won’t die on you during a trip.
However, the Bantam’s design is a bit simplistic. The power button on the bottom of the handle also controls the speed, but there’s no display to indicate the current speed setting. You’ll need to click through each speed to find the one you want. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Bantam is a reliable and portable choice for those who need muscle relief on the move.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Six-hour battery life
- Four head attachments
- Powerful for its size
Cons:
- No display for speed settings
Most Powerful Mini Massage Gun: Theragun Mini (2nd Gen)
If you’re looking for a mini massage gun that packs a punch, the Theragun Mini (2nd Gen) is the way to go. This upgraded version of the original Theragun Mini is 20% smaller and 30% lighter, making it even more portable. It features three speed settings (1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute) and 12mm amplitude, which is impressive for a mini massage gun.
The Theragun Mini’s ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use, and its compact design allows you to target hard-to-reach areas with ease. It also comes with three attachments, an improvement from the original Mini, which only had one. Another advantage is its Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control the device through the Therabody app.
One downside is that there’s no battery life indicator, so you won’t know when it’s time to recharge until the battery is nearly depleted. However, if you’re after a small yet powerful massage gun, the Theragun Mini (2nd Gen) is a solid choice.
Pros:
- Powerful with 12mm amplitude
- Compact and portable
- Ergonomic handle
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- No battery life indicator
Best Massage Gun for Serious Athletes: Theragun Pro (5th Gen)
For serious athletes and those who are physically active throughout the day, the Theragun Pro (5th Gen) is the ultimate massage gun. This model is 20% quieter, smaller, and slightly lighter than its predecessor, but it retains all the features that make the Theragun Pro a favorite among athletes.
The Pro offers five speeds, ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute, and delivers up to 60 pounds of pressure with a 16mm amplitude. These features make it highly effective at breaking down muscle knots and relieving deep tissue pain. The adjustable head angle and rotating arm allow you to reach difficult areas with ease.
New features include customizable speed ranges and visually guided routines via the OLED screen. The addition of a Micropoint attachment is designed to increase stimulation during your massage. The Theragun Pro also connects to the Therabody app via Bluetooth, giving you more control over your sessions.
The main drawback is the price. The Theragun Pro is the most expensive massage gun on this list, but for serious athletes, it’s a worthy investment.
Pros:
- Powerful with 60 pounds of force
- Customizable speed ranges
- Adjustable head angle and rotating arm
- Bluetooth connectivity and guided routines
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Massage Gun for Beginners: Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
If you’re new to percussive therapy, the Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun is a great starting point. It’s less intimidating than other high-powered massage guns and is quieter in operation. The Sonic offers five speeds, ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 revolutions per minute, and has a battery life of three to six hours.
The Sonic stands out for its variety of head attachments, offering more options than any other massage gun on this list. The LED panel displays all the speeds and battery life in one place, making it easy to use.
However, the Sonic’s design is a bit lacking. The body is made of plastic, which makes it feel less durable. Additionally, you may need to use the highest setting to feel the full power of the massage gun, which isn’t the case with more advanced models. Despite these drawbacks, the Lifepro Sonic is a budget-friendly option that offers a full percussive therapy experience.
Pros:
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Quiet operation
- Variety of head attachments
- Easy-to-read LED panel
Cons:
- Plastic body feels less durable
- Requires higher settings for full power
Best Massage Gun for Every Budget: Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun
For those on a budget, the Renpho R4 Pro Massage Gun offers excellent value. While it may not have the sophisticated look of some high-end models, it delivers where it counts. The R4 Pro features a rotating head that can be adjusted into five positions, allowing you to target hard-to-reach areas with ease.
The R4 Pro offers four speeds (1,200 to 3,200 percussions per minute) and comes with six attachments, including an L ball head, M ball head, fork, bullet, flat, and air-cushioned head. The battery lasts up to two hours, which is comparable to more expensive models like the Theragun Pro.
The R4 Pro has four speed settings ranging from 1,200 to 3,200 percussions per minute and comes with six attachments. Its battery life is around two hours, which is comparable to more expensive models. Although it only has a 10 mm amplitude, which doesn’t penetrate as deep as the Theragun Pro, the R4 Pro is still effective for relieving muscle tension.
At just $89, the Renpho R4 Pro offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key features of the best massage guns mentioned:
| Massage Gun | Best For | Speed Range (Percussions per Minute) | Amplitude (mm) | Pressure (Pounds) | Attachments | Battery Life | Price | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theragun Elite | Overall Best | 1,750 – 2,400 | 16 | 40 | 5 | 120 minutes | $$$ | Easy-to-use screen, access to preset guided routines via Therabody app |
| Ekrin Athletics B37S | Best Battery Life | 1,400 – 3,200 | N/A | 56 | 6 | 8 hours | $$$ | Longest battery life, powerful even at lowest speed |
| Ekrin Athletics Bantam | Best for Travel | 2,000 – 3,200 | 10 | 35 | 4 | 6 hours | $$ | Compact size, travel-friendly, quiet operation |
| Theragun Mini (2nd gen) | Most Powerful Mini | 1,750 – 2,400 | 12 | N/A | 3 | N/A | $$ | Smaller, lighter, quieter than original; Bluetooth enabled; ergonomic handle |
| Theragun Pro (5th gen) | Best for Serious Athletes | 1,750 – 2,400 | 16 | 60 | 6 | 150 minutes | $$$$ | Adjustable head angle, customizable speed ranges, guided routines, rotating arm, Bluetooth connectivity |
| Lifepro Sonic | Best for Beginners | 1,200 – 2,800 | N/A | N/A | 8 | 3 – 6 hours | $$ | LED panel for speed and battery life, quieter, full experience for beginners |
| Renpho R4 Pro | Best for Budget | 1,200 – 3,200 | 10 | N/A | 6 | 120 minutes | $ | Rotating head, adjustable positions, affordable, similar features to high-end massage guns minus app function |
Legend:
- $$$: Expensive (Over $300)
- $$: Moderately Priced ($100 – $300)
- $: Budget-Friendly (Under $100)
This table provides a clear comparison to help readers choose the best massage gun based on their needs and budget.
This 4 You
Massage guns are a valuable tool for anyone looking to relieve muscle tension, improve recovery times, or simply relax after a long day. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a frequent traveler, or someone new to percussive therapy, there’s a massage gun out there that suits your needs. From the powerful Theragun Pro to the budget-friendly Renpho R4 Pro, this guide covers the best options on the market, ensuring you can find the perfect massage gun for your lifestyle and budget.