This Is Our Favorite Massage Gun For Sore Muscle Relief

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Nothing hits quite like a tough workout, but the post-sweat muscle soreness is certainly not the best part. Of course, proper hydration, nutrition, sleep, and stretching help support the recovery process, but there’s another secret weapon that might be worth adding to your routine: a massage gun.

Massage guns having been buzzing for a while (pun very much intended), but what's percussion therapy all about? “The head of the massage gun percusses or vibrates rapidly, at various speeds and intensities, delivering a massage to the targeted area,” says Dan Giordano, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of physical therapy and strength and conditioning specialist at Bespoke Physical Therapy.

This can enhance blood flow and provide an acute boost in muscle flexibility and strength, and a reduction in experiences of pain, according to a study in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, but the authors note that more research on percussion therapy is needed.

It's also possible that massage guns can reduce muscle soreness after intense physical activity due to improved lymphatic drainage and the removal of metabolic waste from the muscles, says Giordano.

Keep reading for our five favorite massage guns, plus what to know about their attachments and the key to getting the best results.

Contenders for the best massage gun of 2024

What to consider

Speed

Sufficient speed is key for reaching the targeted muscle and promoting blood flow, says Giordano. It’s best to look for a device with a range of speeds to cater different preferences and sensitivities.

Battery life

No one wants their massage gun to die 10 minutes into treatment, so choose a device that has a reliable battery life. Ideally, your massage gun should last multiple hours without requiring a charge.

Size and weight

Massage guns are meant to enhance at-home recovery, so choose a device that’s compact and lightweight. Lifting it shouldn’t feel like an arm workout!

Attachments

Different attachment heads cater to different needs and muscles, so look for a massage gun that comes with a variety of add-ons (more on that soon!).

How we tested and selected

Led by fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT, the Women's Health team consulted a physical therapist and two certified personal trainers to determine what factors make the best massage guns stand out from the rest. Appleton tested a total of 10 massage guns, using each for a minimum of 20 minutes a day for five consecutive days to thoroughly assess quality and user experience. We focused on key features like noise, battery life, attachments, vibration speed, and price.

Hypervolt 2

Among the many massage guns we tested, this one came out on top because it's relatively compact but delivers adequate power and has a long-lasting battery life. It's cheaper than most full-sized options (such as the Theragun PRO Plus), but feels more substantial than other travel-friendly models (like the Theragun mini).

The three different vibration speeds deliver powerful percussion massage and the five head attachments can be customized based on your desired needs and focus area. The pill-shaped handle also allows for a comfortable grip, so there’s no need to worry about your hand cramping mid-massage. "The Hypervolt 2 really doesn't leave anything to be desired—it's truly everything I could ask for in a massage gun," says Appleton.

Also noteworthy: The model is less than two pounds which is great for travel, and the motor is quiet.

Theragun PRO Plus

This sixth generation device offers three vibration speeds, three heat therapy temperatures, and five attachments to hit every nagging ache.

It’s also a favorite of Giordano. “If you want the massage gun that has it all, I recommend getting the new Theragun Pro Plus. The Pro Plus has everything—percussion, vibration, [a] hot attachment, and LED light therapy,” he says.

The Pro Plus also pairs with the Therabody app, which allows you to personalize your device and combine your Theragun session with calming breathwork and sound therapy.

Theragun mini

"I've never used a massage gun as much as the mini, just because I can throw it in my gym or travel bag to use on-the-go," says Appleton. If you plan to frequently use your massage gun outside of your home or while traveling, the mini might make sense for you.

The small but mighty device has three vibration speeds, 120 minutes of battery life, and weighs about one pound. The three head attachments range from firm to gentle pressure and are perfect for targeting both large and small muscle groups as well as trigger points.

While it includes noise-dampening tech that makes it quieter than some full size models, you still may want to avoid using it in noise-sensitive areas like an airplane, says Appleton.

VYBE Percussion Massage Gun

A good massage gun doesn’t need to break the bank because this powerful device is budget-friendly and feels great. It's an excellent option for those who aren't looking to spend more than $100 on a full-sized model, though keep in mind that its lower price means it might not offer the same long-term durability as premium models.

Six vibration settings and three interchangeable head attachments allow you to experience sports recovery your way whether you’re looking to hit larger muscles or target a pressure point.

The massager is slightly heavier than other options on the list, but it comes with a carrying case for easy transport and travel. It’s also specifically designed for deep tissue work to help release stiff muscles.

Compex Fixx 2.0 Massager

Craving a deep muscle treatment or to release knots in hard-to-reach spots? This option might be your match. The massager has three arm positions to help you hit those tough angles, and the rotating head caters to every muscle that needs relief. In our testing process, this option turned out to be the easiest to maneuver when targeting zones that can be difficult to get to (like the mid back).

The design is a little on the heavy side, but the device packs a punch with five vibration settings that can be used continuously for up to three hours at a time and five different attachment heads.

What is a massage gun—and how does it work?

"A massage gun is a handheld device that uses electro-mechanical vibration to impact and stimulate the soft tissues of the body," says Tony Ambler-Wright, CPT, a master instructor and product manager for the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Hyperice ambassador.

These tools offer a unique approach compared to other vibration options like rollers, balls, or platforms, he says, since they deliver targeted percussion vibrations in varying depths and speeds. They're also usable while seated or standing. "There’s no need to roll out on the floor, platform, or against a wall, and they can easily hit harder-to-reach areas," says Ambler-Wright.

And as mentioned, massage guns likely work thanks to increasing blood flow and potentially helping with lymphatic drainage.

Can massage guns change your muscle tissue?

More research is needed on the extensive benefits, but massage guns can increase blood flow to targeted areas, which aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles to help promote recovery and reduce soreness, says Giordano.

Who should use a massage gun?

The good news is that massage guns can benefit most people, regardless of their fitness or activity level. Even if the benefit is just a feel-good self-massage that offers pleasure and a moment to de-stress, it's worth considering. "Massage guns can be used to prepare for and recover from exercise, reduce stress, tension, and soreness,” says Ambler-Wright.

However, certain conditions can be contraindications for use. “Individuals with deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders, open wounds, etcetera, should exercise caution or avoid using massage guns,” says Giordano. Some conditions may only require avoiding certain areas of the body rather than skipping massage guns altogether. Therabody has a comprehensive page on who should avoid using these devices, but it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if a massage gun is safe for you.

How do you use a massage gun?

It’s best to move the massage gun up and down your muscles and pause when you find a sore spot or pain point. Apply the gun to the areas around it to gradually work out the knot. The key to getting the best results is to use your percussion massager consistently and to concentrate on tight spots for at least 30 to 60 seconds, says Aaron Drogoszewski, CPT, a massage therapist, trainer, and co-founder of Recover in New York City.

Which massage gun attachments should I use?

Naturally, this depends on the massage gun you have and the attachments that come with it, however, there are some pro tips to help you decide.

Soft: "Softer, more cushioned attachments are great for users new to percussion and/or for use on or around more sensitive areas," says Ambler-Wright.

Flat: "Many may also come with a flat attachment, which is the most versatile; the flat portion works great for larger muscle groups and the edge can be applied to smaller areas or to work around bony landmarks," says Ambler-Wright.

Bullet/Point: "Attachments shaped like a bullet or that come to more of a point, are typically used to pinpoint very specific areas of tension or soreness and because of the smaller surface area it will usually be more painful than some of the other attachments," says Ambler-Wright.

Split/Fork: "You may also find attachments that are split, or fork-shaped, which makes them ideal to target two areas simultaneously, enabling, for example, to get both sides of the soleus (calf) muscle around the Achilles tendon, or along each side of the upper trapezius muscle," says Ambler-Wright.

Meet The Experts

• Dan Giordano, DPT, CSCS, is a doctor of physical therapy and strength and conditioning specialist at Bespoke Physical Therapy.

• Tony Ambler-Wright, CPT, is a master instructor and product manager for the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Hyperice ambassador.

• Aaron Drogoszewski, CPT, is a massage therapist, trainer, and co-founder of Recover in New York City.

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