Best Massage Device for Muscle Soreness

Rest and recovery are super important for anyone who trains hard—whether you’re a serious athlete or just love hitting the gym. And when it comes to at-home recovery, massage guns are leading the charge. They don’t just ease sore muscles—they can actually boost blood flow and reduce stiffness after tough workouts. They’re also smaller and more targeted than foam rollers, and many models are compact enough to toss in your gym bag and take anywhere.

“There’s a lot of research showing massage guns can improve mobility, reduce pain and soreness, and even boost performance,” says Renato Sanchez, a physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments in San Diego. “It won’t solve all your problems, but it’s a great addition to your recovery routine.”

That said, the massage gun market is overflowing with options. It can be hard to figure out which ones are worth your money. Sure, there are DIY hacks (like turning a jigsaw into a massage gun), but not all budget options are created equal.

To help, we put together a list of the best massage guns available now—including our top picks from trusted brands like Theragun and Hyperice. We also included expert advice on what to look for and how to use them properly.

What to Look For in a Massage Gun

We asked Vinh Pham, PT and founder of Myodetox, for his top tips. He says the three biggest things to keep in mind are reliability, noise, and battery life.

• Noise “For me, noise is number one,” says Pham. “I want to use it in public without it sounding like a power tool.”
• Battery Life Pham expects a massage gun to last for several days on a single charge. “You want to take it on a trip or keep it in your bag without worrying about outlets.”
• Reliability These tools take a beating, so they need to be well-built. There are lots of knock-offs out there that just don’t hold up. That’s why real-world testing—like what we do at Men’s Health—is so important.
• Speed and Power You want good speed (or percussions per minute), plus adjustable settings to match different muscle groups. Look at amplitude (how deep the massage goes) and stall force (how much pressure it can handle before stopping) to get a sense of how powerful it really is.
• Attachments Different heads help target different areas. A good massage gun should come with a variety and clear instructions so you know which ones to use.
• Size and Weight If you plan to travel with it, go for something lightweight and portable. Some models even come with a carrying case.
• Extras Nice bonuses include travel cases, charging stands, and app support. Pham also suggests dishwasher-safe attachments for easier cleaning.

How We Picked These

For the past three years, our editors and writers have tested all kinds of massage guns. Experts like MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, and Fitness Commerce Editor Charles Thorp used each device for at least a month—three to four sessions per week.

We focused on durability, effectiveness, ease of use, portability, and value for money. After all that testing, here are our top picks:

Best Massage Gun for Travel: Therabody Theragun Mini

Pros:

• Super portable
• Weighs under 2 lbs
• Three speed levels
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• Battery life isn’t as long as other Theraguns
• Not as powerful as bigger models

If you’re always on the move, this compact massage gun is perfect. I use it almost daily, and it’s small enough to toss in any bag. Despite its size, it delivers strong, effective massages. It weighs under 1.5 pounds and has 150 minutes of battery life, plus three speed settings and attachments.

It’s not as deep as the Theragun PRO, but it still packs enough power for most people. “This is hands-down my favorite,” says Samuel. “It’s small, easy to use, and great for tight spots like the chest or IT bands.”

Only downside? It’s not that quiet. You might want to skip using it in super quiet spaces like your office.

Battery: 2.5 hours
Speed: 1,750 to 2,400 PPM; 3 settings
Attachments: 3
Weight: 1.43 lbs
FSA/HSA Eligible? Yes

Also Read: What do User Reviews Say About Popular Pain Relief Balms?

Best Lightweight Massage Gun: Hyperice Hypervolt 2

Pros:

• Reasonable price
• Weighs under 2 lbs
• Comes with 5 attachments

Cons:

• No digital speed dial (uses buttons)

This isn’t the most powerful Hypervolt, but it might be the most practical. For most people, you don’t need super high power. More power often means more weight, which makes it harder to use comfortably.

This one hits the sweet spot: it weighs just 1.8 pounds, has three speeds, five heads, and is ultra-quiet. Samuel even got one for his parents because it’s easy to use and not overwhelming.

If you’re looking for a slightly smaller version, check out the Hypervolt 2 Go. But unless you travel a lot, we suggest sticking with the full-sized Hypervolt 2.

Battery: 3 hours
Speed: Up to 3,200 PPM; 3 settings
Attachments: 5
Weight: 1.8 lbs
FSA/HSA Eligible? Yes

Also Read: Which Natural Supplements are Most Effective for Chronic Pain?

Best Entry-Level Massage Gun: Toloco Massage Gun

Pros:

• 10 massage heads
• 7 speed levels
• Great value

Cons:

• Charging takes longer

This budget-friendly pick is one of Amazon’s best-sellers for a reason. For under $60, it delivers impressive performance. It has 10 attachments, 7 speed settings, and solid power.

It feels good in your hand and works well across different muscle groups. It’s not quite as refined as a Theragun or Hypervolt, but the motor holds its own.

The battery lasts a long time, but it does take a bit longer to charge. If you’re new to massage guns or want an extra one for the office, this is a great choice.

Battery: 6 hours
Speed: Up to 3,200 PPM; 7 settings
Attachments: 10
Weight: 1.95 lbs
FSA/HSA Eligible? Yes