Our tester loved the versatility of each attachment but did wish for a more in-depth guide on where and how to use each one. And while she appreciated the carrying case, it would have been nice to have a clear storage spot for each attachment. The only component our tester found inconvenient was the massage gun’s shutdown process. There’s one button on the device: You press it once to turn on and four more times to get to the maximum speed level. But instead of pressing the button once more to shut it off, you have to hold it down for a few seconds—which our tester found frustrating. Vybe Pro Percussion Massage Gun: Our tester thought this device was user-friendly and effective in loosening tight muscles. But the noise level was obnoxiously loud and off-putting, they said. But she did note that a longer battery life and carrying case would have been appreciated. Although it’s a small and easily portable device, these factors make it less than convenient for on-the-go use. Super Quiet and Portable Design: Adopt powerful 24V brushless high-torque motor and noise reduction technology, ANSGEC massage gun runs very quietly below 40DB. The ergonomic single-hand grip with rubber non-slip coating, minimizes external vibrations, no wobble at the handle.

You'll also want to pay attention to the features before buying a massage gun. More basic options may only have one or two heads and up to three speeds, whereas fancier models typically come with five or more attachments and several speed settings. Higher-end devices often have additional bells and whistles, like digital displays, Bluetooth connectivity, guided sessions, smart pressure sensors, or an auto-shutoff feature. To find the best massage guns on the market, the Health team tested 18 devices from the comfort of their own homes. Massage guns can be a valuable tool in your overall health and fitness routine, so we asked our testers to incorporate these devices into their normal lives and provide real-world, honest insights. Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, owner and clinical director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City The benefit of using a massage gun is that it helps pump fluid so that your body clears that lactic acid, and you can have a faster recovery time,” she adds. “They’re great for at-home, regular use to help loosen up tight muscles—without needing to leave the comfort of your own home and book a regular massage.” Need something to bring on the go? The compact Theragun Mini measures 6 x 5 x 2 inches and weighs less than one and a half pounds. Though it only comes with the standard ball-head attachment, this travel-friendly massage gun offers percussive therapy with vibrations as fast as 2400 RPM. It also comes with a soft carrying case for easy transport.Konrad A, et al. The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles' Range of Motion and Performance. Journal of sports science & medicine vol. 19,4 690-694. 19 Nov. 2020

It’s important to note that this massage gun only comes with one massage head. But it is lightweight and easily portable, making it a great choice for frequent travelers or on-the-go runners. Percussive devices might help improve flexibility and offer stress relief. The idea is that by owning one, you can reap all of these benefits anytime, anywhere, either on your own or with the help of a partner. Using a massage gunwill not eliminate arthritis, but it can help to make the surrounding muscles stronger for better support to the joints, says Peters. “Massaging the surrounding muscle will increase blood flow to that area, and that blood carries nutrients, oxygen, and other things that can help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis.”Our tester noticed a huge difference in muscle tension and was surprised by how powerful yet smooth and sturdy the device was. “It’s thoroughly enjoyable and really does feel like a deep tissue massage,” our tester said. “And because it was an enjoyable experience, I was likely to use it more frequently.” Super Quiet and Portable Design: Adopt powerful 24V brushless high-torque motor and noise reduction technology, ANSGEC massage gun runs very quietly below 40DB. You can use this powerful but ear-friendly massager at home, gym, office without disturb others. The ergonomic single-hand grip with rubber non-slip coating, minimizes external vibrations, no wobble at the handle. This deep tissue massage gun is portable and handy, even for the elderly. Organized case for easy carry and store;

Bill Peters, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Pro Sports Performance Physical Therapy in Garden City, NY ClinicalTrials.gov. Effects of Percussive Massage Treatment With Theragun on Post Exercise Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. 2022. Identifier: NCT05026944 A massage gun is not necessarily better than a regular massage—the two treatments are different, and both can deliver satisfying results. But it’s important to remember that a certified massage therapist will know precisely how much and where to apply pressure, whereas the average massage gun user will not.Sonic LX Quiet Pro Percussion Massage Gun: While our tester was impressed by this massage gun's intensity, they found it to be too harsh for use above the hips. Kuć J and Żendzian-Piotrowska M. (2020) A Pilot Study Evaluating the Prevalence of Cervical Spine Dysfunction Among Students of Dentistry at the Medical University. Front. Neurol. 11:200. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00200 The motor is quieter than anticipated, despite its heavy-duty design—a bonus for those in communal living spaces. Plus, detailed instructions are included with the device, which helped our tester figure out the massage gun's controls. Calling all athletes and strength trainers! The Powerboost was designed specifically with muscle recovery in mind. Flaunting five speeds and six interchangeable heads, this deep-tissue percussion massager targets knots and sore tissues while preventing delayed-onset muscle soreness ( DOMS). The massage gun includes two interchangeable massage heads and is adjustable for up to three speed intensity levels. Our tester felt safe and comfortable using the device: “I liked how lightweight the device was, and the handle was easy to hold and maneuver.”