No week of workouts is complete without a recovery routine — and the best massage guns are a game changer for relieving soreness, improving circulation, and melting away tension, wherever you are. As someone who teaches over five Pilates classes a week, fits in at least four home workouts, and spends hours at my desk in between, my muscles need all the TLC they can get. Enter the massage gun: my not-so-secret weapon for tackling everything from sore quads to tight traps.
If you’re considering adding a massage gun to your routine but feel overwhelmed by the options, I’ve got your back (literally). As a fitness expert and Shape editor, I’ve tested over 20 massage guns in the past three years, and I’ve found that not all are created equal. Some massage guns are not worth their high cost, while others are simply ineffective or hard to maneuver. These massage guns are the only models I trust to help me recover faster, feel better, and keep up with my active lifestyle. Plus, I’ve found an option for every budget and body type.
The Shape Scoring Scale
5 – In Perfect Shape!
4 – Now We’re Talking
3 – Good, But Needs Some Work
2 – OK, But Nothing Special
1 – Don’t Recommend
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
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Ergonomic design for hard-to-reach areas
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Heat therapy setting soothes muscles
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Highly effective at reducing soreness
Stall Force: Up to 30 pounds | Attachments: 4 | Built-In Speeds: 5 levels | Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hours | Weight: 1.8 pounds
When you think of massage guns, Theragun is likely the first name that comes to mind. And I’ve actually tested every Theragun model, but the Theragun Prime Plus stands out as my favorite. It’s hands-down the most effective massage gun I’ve ever used. My muscle tension and stress? Melted. Plus, the heat therapy mode feels heavenly, and each attachment serves a clear purpose: smaller heads work out knots in my traps, while larger ones tackle post-Pilates soreness.
The ergonomic triangular structure makes it surprisingly easy to reach tricky spots on the backside of my body (luckily for my glutes). It’s just a little heavy, so you might need some breaks mid-session. But despite all that power, there’s an intensity level for everyone. I also loved how easily I could adjust those levels during use. It’s pricey, but if you’re serious about recovery, this one is seriously splurge-worthy.
My Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
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Lighter than other options
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Easy to hold and use
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Simple, streamlined design
Stall Force: Up to 20 pounds | Attachments: 3 | Built-In Speeds: 3 levels | Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hours | Weight: 1.4 pounds
The tiniest and lightest of the Therabody lineup, the Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) is a recovery must-have if you’re always on the move. Despite its compact size, it still delivers a shockingly powerful punch, easing my tension and stress in seconds. Thanks to its simple design, which has three speed settings and three attachment heads, it’s also one of the easiest massage guns to hold and use.
While it doesn’t have a traditional handle, this massager’s shape makes it easy to target smaller, hard-to-reach areas. For general tension relief, I mostly used the large, rounded attachment, which worked well for my tight quads and crampy calves. It comes with a small carrying case, but not all of the heads fit inside, so I’d probably just pick my favorite and leave the rest behind.
My Overall Score: 4.8 – Nearly In Perfect Shape!
Credit: Amazon
Stall Force: Not listed | Attachments: 10 | Built-In Speeds: 7 levels | Battery Life: Approx. 6 hours | Weight: 2.1 pounds
With 10 attachments and seven speed settings, the Tocolo EM26 is easily one of the most versatile massagers on the market. I honestly don’t know what this thing can’t do. Achy feet after clocking 10k steps? Hit them with the thumb head. Sore arms from too many triceps push-ups? The Y-shaped attachment has you covered. I tried out every attachment, and believe it or not, each one was intuitive — no guessing required!
As if that weren’t impressive enough, it also boasts a six-hour battery life and comes at one of the most budget-friendly prices I’ve seen for a massage gun so powerful and effective. Bonus points: there’s a carrying case that has a dedicated spot for each attachment — a Type-A’s dream come true. Just keep in mind that I found the handle a little thick, but I have pretty small hands.
My Overall Score: 4.9 – Nearly In Perfect Shape!
Credit: Renpho
Stall Force: Not listed | Attachments: 4 | Built-In Speeds: 4 levels | Battery Life: Between 2 and 4 hours | Weight: 1 pound
If you’ve never used a massage gun before, Renpho’s Mini Massage Gun is a great place to start. It’s tiny and lightweight, and uses silicone heads for a gentler (but still effective) massage. I loved using the pointed head for my biceps and triceps after an arm workout, while the rounded attachment helped ease tension basically everywhere else.
This mini massage gun couldn’t be easier to hold and maneuver around, and even with firmer pressure, it feels beginner-friendly. There’s just one button to control everything, from powering it on to adjusting the speed settings. It’s not as powerful as other options, but it’s small enough to toss in your gym bag or carry-on for gentle relief anytime, anywhere.
My Overall Score: 4.8 – Nearly In Perfect Shape!
Credit: Amazon
Stall Force: Not listed | Attachments: 8 | Built-In Speeds: 7 levels | Battery Life: Approx. 6 hours | Weight: 2 pounds
Who says you need to spend serious cash to get serious relief? Elefor’s M68-7 Massager is proof that you don’t need to drop the big bucks to get an effective treatment. It impressed me right away — within seconds, my post-workout tension started to melt away. It comes with eight attachments, but I kept reaching for the bullet head to work out stubborn knots in my upper back (IYKYK).
While not as intense as higher-end models like Theragun, this massager still packs enough power to provide a thorough treatment. Plus, swapping attachments and adjusting speed is seamless. For the price, this massage gun is super high value. It’s an obvious choice for gentle, customized recovery days.
My Overall Score: 4.8 – Nearly In Perfect Shape!
Credit: Hydragun
Why We Like It
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Highly effective at reducing soreness
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Carrying case helps with portability
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Quiet considering the power
Stall Force: Up to 40 pounds | Attachments: 7 | Built-In Speeds: 6 levels | Battery Life: Between 3 and 6 hours | Weight: 2.3 pounds
When I turned on the Hydragun, I was instantly surprised by how quiet it was, especially considering how powerful it felt. It’s one of the strongest I tested, but also one of the quietest (a rare find). Out of the seven attachments, I loved the soft ball for larger areas, and the narrower heads worked magic on my shoulders. Plus, the unique Y-shaped attachment felt amazing on the sides of my body (just be careful around your ribcage).
If you’re a serious athlete or someone who frequently lifts heavy weights, this one is a great choice. Personally, I lean toward Theragun Prime Plus because it’s easier to hold and has that dreamy heat setting. But if you prefer a wide range of attachments, quiet operation, and shockingly powerful relief, this is your winner.
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
Other Shape-Loved Massage Guns
After testing more than 20 massage guns, the six above are our top picks. We’ve continued to research massage gun options, and we think the following three have standout features that are also worth considering.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
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Gentle percussion
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Easy-to-hold handle
Credit: Therabody
Why We Like It
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Travel-friendly
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3 heat levels
How We Tested Massage Guns
I’ve tested over 20 massage guns in the last three years, clocking over 200 hours of use — but who’s counting?! I tested these models, following research-backed best practices to ensure each one was evaluated as thoroughly as possible. As I test each massage gun, I evaluate them based on the same key criteria to keep things fair: effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, portability, and value.
While testing, I pay close attention to how my body feels before and after each treatment. If a massage gun isn’t strong enough to deliver real relief or I end up cutting my session short because the gun is hard to hold or too noisy, it’s a definite no from me. During each session, I also make sure that adjustable features are straightforward and quick to use. If it feels too complicated or time-consuming, it’s not making the cut. Finally, I consider price to see if it’s really worth the investment. I’d only recommend what I’d tell my best friend to buy — so no overpriced, overhyped products here.
Therabody Theragun Prime (4th Generation) is fairly quiet and comes with four attachment heads.
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What to Know About Massage Guns
- Stall Force: Stall force tells you how much pressure a massage gun can handle before it stalls out (aka stops moving). For most people, stall force isn’t a deal breaker – you’re probably not going to press hard enough (especially during recovery sessions). But if you like to dig deep, you’ll want a higher stall force that can handle the pressure.
- Attachments: Confused by the oddly shaped attachments? Don’t worry, each one serves an actual purpose. Different heads are designed to target specific muscle groups. The classic round ball is ideal for larger areas, like your quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Meanwhile, smaller heads, like the bullet attachment, are perfect for targeting knots and trigger points. If you want a customizable experience, choose a massage gun with a variety of interchangeable heads.
- Speed Settings: A good massage gun should let you adjust the intensity of your session up or down based on how sore you are and what area you’re treating. Lower speeds are best for tender spots and everyday recovery, while higher speeds can help you dig into those tight, stubborn muscles that just won’t quit.
- Battery Life: Your massage gun should keep up with your routine, not die halfway through it. Ideally, the longer the battery life, the better. Most models last between two and five hours per charge, which should be plenty for a few recovery sessions. If you don’t want the hassle of charging after every use, look for a massage gun with a longer battery life.
- Weight: The weight of your massage gun can make a massive impact on how comfortable (and enjoyable) your treatments are. A heavy gun can be tough to hold and maneuver, while lighter models are usually easier to use. But of course, there’s always a tradeoff: heavier guns typically pack a lot more power. So, you should look for a weight that feels balanced with the type of treatment you need.
Massage Guns to Skip
- I’m generally a fan of Theraguns, but the Theragun Pro just isn’t worth its price, if you ask me. It’s a solid, high-quality device, but it lacks standout features that would justify the higher cost. Personally, I find the Theragun Prime Plus to be way more comfortable, effective, and worth the price.
- I love a mini massage gun for maximum portability and lighter treatments, but Arboleaf’s Massage Gun falls short, even compared to cheaper alternatives. It’s compact and easy to throw in your gym bag, but the power just isn’t there for an effective treatment.
- Hyperice’s Hypervolt 2 Massager is powerful — almost a little too powerful. While massage guns need enough force to feel effective, this one just feels overly intense (even at the lightest setting). The aggressive power made it slightly uncomfortable and not something I’d want to invest in.
Therabody Theragun Prime (4th Generation) has a lower price point than other models.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How should you use a massage gun correctly?
To use a massage gun correctly, start by turning it on before placing it on your body (trust me, it’s less jarring that way). Then, gently glide it over your muscles using slow, steady strokes for about 30 seconds per area on the body — no need to press hard. You can use it as a pre-workout warm-up or post-workout recovery; just avoid bony areas and joints.
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What is the best massage gun for recovery?
It really depends on your needs, but each of the massage guns on this list is a great choice for your recovery routine. Therabody’s Theragun Prime Plus is my favorite (and one of the most popular on the market) for a reason, but there are other options that deliver real relief.
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Are expensive massage guns worth it?
The short answer: Sometimes, but not always. Pricier massage guns tend to offer more power, longer battery life, and extra features like heat therapy or Bluetooth connectivity. But if you just want something simple that gets the job done, there are plenty of budget massage guns that still do the job. One of my favorites is Elefor’s M68-7 Massage Gun.
Why Trust Shape
Michelle Parente is a New York City-based Pilates instructor and editor at Shape, specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a Shape editor, Michelle’s mission is to provide thoroughly researched, expert-backed product recommendations. Over the last few years, Michelle has personally tested dozens of popular massage guns. For this story, she narrowed down her absolute favorite options that deliver real results.
