Choosing the best massage gun amidst a sea of options can be daunting. To help you elevate your training experience and improve your recovery though, a massage gun is a must-have item in our opinion. As a result, we've curated a list of top picks that combine price, user reviews, and essential features for effective pre and post-workout recovery.
Yes, massage guns offer the convenience of alleviating those persistent aches and pains from the comfort of your home, complementing your training regimen alongside popular supplements like EAAs and BCAAs.
However, when seeking the ideal massage gun, you need to consider factors like whether it comes with multiple interchangeable heads and adjustable speed settings for precise targeting of various muscle groups. Additionally, we'd highly recommend you prioritise a longer battery life to ensure uninterrupted therapy sessions.
With that in mind, whether you prefer a quiet option like the MYO Master MyoLite or a more budget-friendly choice like the MYO Master MyoLite (featured in our the best massage guns under 100 list), we've got you covered. Explore our selections and take your training to the next level with the perfect massage gun companion.
Best massage guns
- Theragun Pro - a well-rounded option
- MYO Master MyoLite - best portable device
- MuscleGun Carbon - a top pick for athletes
- Theragun Elite - best quiet massage gun
- Achedaway Pro - an excellent choice for runners
1. Theragun Pro
Best massage gun overall
Heads: 6
Theragun is one of the leading manufacturers of percussive therapy devices around, and the Theragun Pro is one of its most advanced models to help take your recovery a step further than just taking supplements.
It comes with a QX150 motor with QuietForce technology, designed to deliver powerful, professional-grade deep muscle treatment as quietly as an average massage.
Moreover, Theragun boasts its device has a 300-minute battery life across its 2 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries so you should get a full day's worth of massages in from just a single charge of the batteries.
It's also worth noting that the Supersoft head, one of 6 included, is also great for sensitive areas of your body so, no matter the areas, this Thergun should help you recover.
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2. MYO Master MyoLite
Best portable massage gun
Heads: 4
This compact bit of kit has been designed to fit in a gym bag with ease, ready to take with you on your travels.
In fact, the MYO Master MyoLite weighs under a kilogram meaning you could even tuck this tiny device away in your pocket so you're ready to iron out any soreness as and when it arrives.
Despite being so small, the device still manages to pack 40lbs worth of stall force which should be more than enough for tackling any aches and pains you may have.
All in all, this MyoLite will likely be a handy bit of kit for gym-goers, and a good additional device for long-time users who want an on-the-go option.
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3. MuscleGun Carbon
Best massage gun for athletes
Heads: 4
As an athlete, you'll likely be looking for something versatile, lightweight, and powerful. Thankfully, this MuscleGun Carbon should tick all those boxes as it comes with 4 heads, 5-speed settings, and 44 lbs of force to take on even the most stubborn aches and pains.
MuscleGun boasts its device has a 300-minute battery life which should be ideal for a full day's worth of massages from just a single charge.
On the whole, the Carbon could be a solid option for improving your recovery, and it even comes with a useful carry case to make it more portable as well.
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4. Theragun Elite
Best quiet massage gun
Heads: 5
In the past, massage guns have been extremely noisy, however, more recently, guns like this Theragun Elite have incorporated extremely quiet motors that still manage to deliver 40 lbs of force.
One of its most notable features and accolades is that it can hit 40 times per second which is extremely fast and ideal for stubborn pains, and it comes with 5 adjustable heads depending on the intended use.
Moreover, Theragun boasts its machines include a handy OLED screen and automatic, app-controlled massage programs, designed to make them easier to use.
Ultimately, if you're looking for a quiet device that can still pack a punch, then this Theragun Elite may be the machine for you.
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5. Achedaway Pro
Best massage gun for runners
Heads: 4
One of the key features to look for from a massage gun to help with your recovery post-run is a high stall force or simply, the amount of pressure a massage gun can withstand during a massage.
Thankfully, this Achedaway Pro can resist a hugely impressive 80lbs of stall force, and comes with 16mm amplitudes to help relieve tight muscles, soreness, and stiff backs more effectively.
It's also worth noting the Achedaway Pro features 4 adjustable heads, each designed to emulate a different massage technique to tackle a variety of aches and pains.
Overall, we feel it's hard to look past this massage gun if you're a keen runner looking to improve your recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With so many different models to choose from, you probably have a few queries about massage guns, but we're here to clear up some of the most common questions.
How do you use a massage gun?
For an effective warm-up, employing a massage gun proves advantageous for enhancing blood flow and circulation, thereby priming your muscles and nervous system for impending exercise.
For this purpose, it is advisable to guide the massage gun along the targeted muscle or muscle group for approximately 15 to 30 seconds.
Furthermore, massage guns can significantly contribute to post-exercise recovery by diminishing inflammation, alleviating soreness, and facilitating muscle relaxation.
In the context of recovery, it is generally recommended to devote 90 to 120 seconds to systematically treating each muscle group with the massage gun.
It is also noteworthy that massage guns can be instrumental in enhancing mobility. Research conducted by Konrad et al. reveals that handheld percussive treatment can augment your range of motion without adversely affecting muscle strength.
How often should you use a massage gun?
The suitability of using a massage gun before, during, or after a workout depends primarily on your specific activity levels and preferences.
For most individuals, incorporating a massage gun into their routine can be beneficial both pre, intra, and post-workout to enhance recovery. However, it's important to exercise caution when using a massage gun, especially if you engage in daily physical activity. Ideally, limit your massage gun sessions to just a couple of minutes when you work out frequently.
Post-workout, employing a massage gun can be particularly helpful in minimising the likelihood of experiencing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Nevertheless, it's essential to allow adequate time between sessions. A recommended guideline is to take breaks of around 1-2 hours between your massage gun sessions to ensure optimal results.
What massage gun head should you use?
Massage guns usually come with a selection of different head attachments, all of which are designed for different areas of your body.
For example, the fork head works best for larger muscle groups like your quads, whereas a round, padded attachment is better suited for sensitive and boney areas.
For the bullet attachment, we'd recommend using it when you're looking to pinpoint a specific area and engage in deep tissue therapy.
Then, for the flat head, we'd suggest using it to massage medium to large muscle groups like your calves thanks to its modified force.
What is percussion?
Devices such as the Theragun Pro are advertised as percussion massage guns rather than vibration devices.
Vibration guns simply utilise a back-and-forth oscillation, creating miniature movements inside your muscle tissue.
A percussion device goes one step further to deliver a deeper, more intense stimulation of your muscle compared to vibration models.
Can a massage gun improve flexibility?
Massage guns can potentially help improve flexibility when used in conjunction with stretching and mobility exercises. The percussive action of the massage gun can stimulate blood flow, relax muscle tension, and promote an increased range of motion. By targeting specific muscle groups, massage guns can help loosen tight muscles, which can contribute to improved flexibility over time.
It's important to note that massage guns should not be solely relied upon for improving flexibility though. They can be a useful tool in a comprehensive flexibility routine that includes stretching, dynamic movements, and other mobility exercises. Consistency and proper technique are key to achieving and maintaining flexibility gains, so don't just rely on a massage gun.
Additionally, you may want to consult a healthcare professional or a qualified trainer who can guide you in incorporating massage gun usage effectively and safely into your flexibility training regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and goals.