9 Best Massage Guns of 2021 - Healthline

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Massage therapy is a popular way to reduce muscle strain and pain.

That said, you don’t have to go to a professional to see results. Percussive massagers — also known as massage guns — provide short bursts of pressure into your muscle tissue.

As a result, they help reduce muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to the targeted area (1, 2).

But with so many gun massagers on the market, how do you find the right product for you?

When looking for the best massage guns we considered the following criteria:

• Power. We looked for products with at least 2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) or more.
• Special features. We considered massage guns with special features, such as attachable heads, carrying cases, lightweight design, and multiple massage modes.
• Customer reviews. All of the products on this list have mostly positive customer reviews.

Here are the 8 best massage guns of 2021.

Best overall

Theragun Elite

• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Weight: 2.2 pounds (1 kg)
• Special features: 5 speed options, 5 attachable heads, quiet motor, carrying case

Price: $$$

The Theragun Elite is a favorite among chiropractors, athletes, and casual exercisers, as it features a powerful motor and 5 attachable heads for targeted muscle relief.

The device offers 5 speed options, allowing you to dig deep or go lighter on more sensitive areas.

It’s also quieter than many other massage guns and weighs just 2.2 pounds (1 kg), making it easy to pack in your gym bag.

Best battery life

Achedaway Percussion and Vibration Massager

• Battery life: 5 hours
• Weight: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
• Special features: 5 speeds, 4 attachable heads, carrying case

Price: $$$

With up to 5 hours of battery life, this massager from Achedaway is ideal for those with chronic muscle pain who don’t want to worry about charging their device between sessions.

It also features 5 speeds and 4 attachable heads to fit all your post-workout massage needs.

Additionally, the Achedaway Percussion and Vibration Massager is lightweight and gets high customer ratings for its powerful motor.

Most versatile

Vybe PRO Handheld Deep Muscle Massager

• Battery life: 3 hours
• Weight: 4.6 pounds (2 kg)
• Special features: 9 speeds, 8 attachable heads, quiet motor, carrying case

Price: $$

With 9 intensity levels and 8 attachments, including options for deep tissue, the Vybe PRO is one of the most versatile options on the market.

It also features a long battery life, quiet motor, and convenient traveling case.

However, some customers note that the quality of the attachable heads could be better, which may not be a deal breaker given its affordable price.

Best value

Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun

• Battery life: 3 hours
• Weight: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
• Special features: 5 speeds, 8 attachable heads, quiet motor, carrying case

Price: $$

The Sonic handheld massager offers an affordable yet high powered option for easing sore and aching muscles.

It also features 5 levels of intensity, 8 massage heads, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 3 hours of battery life.

Reviewers note that it’s easy to switch speeds and comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.

While it comes with a lifetime warranty, some customers have reported difficulties with receiving their refund or replacement parts.

Best splurge

Theragun PRO

• Battery life: 5 hours total (2.5 hours per battery)
• Weight: 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg)
• Special features: 6 speeds, 7 attachable heads, rotating arm, quiet motor, carrying case

Price: $$$

The Theragun PRO is ideal for serious athletes, as it offers several speeds and attachments for a deep and powerful massage.

The PRO stands out from others on the market due to its ergonomic grip and adjustable head, which allows you to apply the massager at different angles without tiring out your hand.

Using Bluetooth capabilities, you can also connect your Theragun PRO to the Therabody app for personalized wellness routines.

Additionally, it comes with 2 rechargeable batteries, so you can charge one while the other is in use.

However, at $599, the Theragun PRO is one of the most expensive massage guns on the market.

Best for athletes

Legiral Le3 Massage Gun

• Battery life: 6 hours
• Weight: 4.1 pounds (1.9 kg)
• Special features: 20 speeds, 6 attachable heads, quiet motor, carrying case

Price: $$

The Legiral Le3 Massage Gun is a good option for athletes who want the power of the Theragun PRO at a lower cost.

This massage gun has over 24,000 mostly positive reviews online and comes with a whopping 20 speed settings, 6 head attachments, and a 6-hour battery life.

However, as some customers found the massager to be too intense, the Legiral Le3 is not ideal for those looking for a gentler massage. It’s also one of the heaviest options on this list.

Best lightweight

TimTam Power Massager

• Battery life: 40 minutes
• Weight: 2.2 pounds (1 kg)
• Special features: carrying case

Price: $$

Created by professional athletes, the TimTam Power Massager is designed to provide a powerful percussion massage for athletes on the go.

The massage gun is lightweight, easy to use, and features an industrial-grade motor that delivers 2,500 strokes per minute.

While the TimTam Power Massager a good option for quick muscle relief, it’s important to note that the device comes with just one massage head and has a relatively short battery life.

Best for gentle massages

Wahl Deep Tissue Massager

• Battery life: none, 9-foot (2.7-meter) power cord
• Weight: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
• Special features: variable speed dial, 4 attachable heads

Price: $

If you dislike the intensity of most massage guns, you’ll want to consider the Wahl Deep Tissue Massager.

The Wahl features 5 adjustable heads, a wand-like handle, and variable speed dial that allows you to control the massager’s intensity.

It’s also one of the most affordable options on the market.

Still, while it’s ideal for more sensitive areas, some reviewers found the massager to be a bit too gentle.