Whilefoam rollersare great, it’s hard to beat the healing power of a massage.Over the past five or so years, percussive therapy has changed how gym-goers and physical therapists treat soreness and chronic pain and relieve the buildup of lactic acid. Best of all, quality percussion massagers (a.k.a. massage guns) are a portable, powerful, one-time investment.
Percussion massagers are a staple in the fitness world, designed to loosen up muscle knots, improve blood flow, help alleviate soreness and reduce inflammation. While scientific evidence of these claims is a mixed bag at best, the anecdotal evidence from athletes of all stripes (skiers, runners, hikers, etc.) makes a good percussion massager worth consideration.
Our testers include personal trainers, competitive athletes, and generally the kinds of folks whose activity levels result in being sore more often than not. Through hours of research and months of testing, we’ve narrowed down the best percussion massagers on the market. If you’ve yet to try one, this is a great place to start. Ourbuyer’s guideandFAQsection have everything you need to make an informed decision. And if you need more help choosing, be sure to check out thecomparison chart.
Editors Note: We refreshed this article on March 28, 2024 by adding the Chirp RPM Rolling Percussive Massager, which is unlike any other massager on this list, plus we noted the Hyperice Heated Head attachment. We also ensured our product list was up-to-date with current models and designs.
The Best Percussion Massagers of 2024 Best Overall Percussion Massager: Theragun G5 PRO Best Budget Percussion Massager: Turonic GM5 Massage Gun Runner-Up: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Most Portable Percussion Massager: Theragun Mini Best Percussion Massage Roller: Chirp RPM Best Overall Percussion Massager Therabody G5 Pro Specs Battery 2 lithium-ion batteries Battery life 150 minutes Weight 2.9 lbs.
Pros Quiet motor Customization Solo supported Bluetooth pairing 2-year warranty Cons Expensive Austin Beck-Doss Most percussion massagers on the market look like a power drill and sound about the same. The Therabody team set out to develop a powerful yet quiet option, and they succeeded with the G4 Pro and continued the evolution with the even quieter G5 Pro.
The Fifth generation Theragun G5 Pro ($599) employs a quieter motor than the previous model while still delivering high-quality power (it packs up to 60 pounds of force) and isn’t as loud as other massagers with comparable power. That said, it’s certainly not silent, especially compared to other, lower-powered guns on this list. One tester noted that he still had to use subtitles during Netflix and Theragun sessions.
The PRO comes with a multitude of options to personalize percussive therapy. It boasts a rotating arm paired with an ergonomic multi-grip as well as a customizable speed range between 1,750 and 2,400 ppm (percussions per minute). The rotating arm was a godsend during testing, helping us reach areas on our backs that we couldnt hit with other massage guns.
In lay terms, this means you can confidently and easily massage any part of your own body with deep tissue force without the motor stalling out. Gone are the days of convincing someone to rub out your shoulders. The G5 includes a Bluetooth connection for app-guided massage routines, and it also has a simple display on the back of the device to aid in your massage progression.
Six different head attachments deliver complete customization. The Theragun G5 PRO also pairs with the Therabody app, which offers extra support, including a force meter and personalized wellness routines.
The whole package comes with seven head attachments, a carrying case, two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with charger, and the Theragun itself. While you’ll have to pay for the luxury the G5 Pro offers, it’s easily the best percussion massager on the market today.
Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at Amazon Best Budget Percussion Massager Turonic GM5 Massage Gun Specs Battery Lithium-ion battery Weight 1.72 lbs.
Pros Good value High-quality case and massage heads Long-lasting battery Quiet Cons Not the most powerful for deep tissue needs Austin Beck-Doss This percussion massager isn’t the absolute cheapest on the market, but we think it offers the best overall value. For less than half the price of many leading models, the Turonic GM5 Massage Gun ($160) offers excellent battery life, quiet yet powerful operation, and a high-quality set of seven interchangeable massage heads.
We’ve been using this massage gun daily for several weeks. Its been a major asset in speeding up recovery after rock-climbing and weight-lifting sessions. Turonic claims that the GM5 can offer up to 8 hours of use on the lowest setting.
We tend to use it for about 15 minutes at a time in a mid-range setting, and it dies after about 3 total hours of use. The GM5’s battery is better than most massage guns on the market, which is impressive given its price tag.
With five power modes up to 3,200 rpm, the GM5 offers decent intensity, though it is noticeably weaker than the Theragun. Still, the GM5 has plenty of power for most users and uses.
We appreciate that the Turonic GM5 Massage Gun comes with a high-quality carrying case plus seven varied massage heads. For the price, this is a highly effective option.
$190 at AmazonCheck Price at Walmart Runner Up Best Percussion Massager Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Specs Battery life 3 hrs., lithium-ion Weight 1.8 lbs.
Pros Sleek, stylish design Excellent price point 5 different attachment photos Quiet operation Bluetooth connectivity Cons Not as powerful as other options Austin Beck-Doss We jumped on an opportunity to test out this updated, already popular Hyperice Hypervolt 2 ($199). Lighter, quieter, and more ergonomic than the last model, the Hypervolt 2 offers excellent features in an affordable package.
The Hypervolt 2 has five unique attachments for various situations. The tool also offers soft, medium, and hard speeds and pressures via its 60-watt brushless motor. While this percussion massager is not as powerful as some others on the list (looking at you, Theragun G5 Pro), its significantly quieter, and our tester found it plenty powerful.
During the testing period, the Hypervolt 2 rarely, if ever, stalled out — even under the most intense pressure. Battery life is 3 hours, and users can accurately gauge the charge level via a vibrant light ring at the bottom of the handle which glows and transitions from green to yellow to red, letting you know its time to plug it in. Our tester clocked recharge time at right around one hour.
At 1.8 lbs, the new Hypervolt is lighter than the previous model, and its small footprint and weight make it easy to travel with. But for those seeking ultimate portability, the smaller and lighter Hypervolt Go 2 might be a better option.
Folks who arent sure about how to best use their Hypervolt can follow along with guided routines in the Hyperice App which includes activation, flush, and recovery routines. These routines last anywhere from 3-25 minutes, and guide you through different muscle groups and even tell you which attachment is best for the muscles youre working on. Our tester particularly liked the forearm and hand modules after a day of rock climbing, as well as the quad and hamstring release modules.
Hyperice has done an excellent job with the Hypervolt 2, making it lighter and sleeker while keeping functionality at the top of its class. For those of you looking for a high-quality, well-made percussion massager with top-of-class performance — look no further than the Hyperice Hypervolt 2.
As a bonus, it works with Hyperices new Heated Head attachment ($59, sold separately), which offers 3 heat levels topping out at 113 degrees. During testing, the Heated Head attachment heated up in less than a minute, adding another layer of comfort to our massages. The heated head was a nice touch during testing — it heated up quickly and provided a hot rock spa vibe to our massages.
Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at Amazon Most Portable Theragun Mini Specs Battery 2.5-hr. lithium-ion battery Weight 1.43 lbs.
Pros Compact size Ergonomic grip Speed range Price Quiet Cons No additional head attachments included Lower no-stall threshold Austin Beck-Doss This extremely compact and portable device is one of the smallest massage guns on the market, coming in at 6 x 5.3 inches and only 1.43 pounds. Regardless of its size, the Theragun Mini ($150) still packs quite the punch.
The Mini has three options for speed — 1,750, 2,100, or 2,400 ppm — placing it in the same power class as Therabody’s other fourth-generation products. While not as beefy as other massage guns, the Minis compact size made it easy to pack on trips to CrossFit competitions, especially compared to the monstrous G5 Pro.
Where the Mini comes up short is its ability to put up only 20 pounds of no-stall force. This means the massager will stop moving if you press it into your muscles with more than 2 pounds of force. If you want a deep-tissue massage, other options on this list will suit you better. But for most people, this is plenty of force, and considering its minuscule size, it definitely punches above its weight.
It comes with a protective carrying case, and the rechargeable battery lasts 2.5 hours. While none are included, additional head attachments can be purchased separately. All of this brands offerings meet the industry standard for percussion massagers, and the Theragun Mini is no exception.
Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at Amazon Best Percussion Massage Roller Chirp RPM Specs Battery life 4 hours Weight 3 lbs., 11 oz.
Pros Handheld and stationary use opens up massage possibilities 5 different speeds to dial in force Extended battery life compared to many other massagers Simple on/off button use — just press and go Cons Bit spendier than other percussive massagers Tough to really pinpoint areas Austin Beck-Doss And now for something completely different: The Chirp RPM ($250) — that’s Rolling Percussive Massager, by the way — takes an absolute left turn on the traditional idea and fuses the foam roller with a rolling impact technique. The result? A truly novel experience that does things other percussion massages dream of.
Employing eight independent rollers and five different speeds, the RPM literally rolls away muscle soreness and fatigue, much in the same way that foam rolling does. Going handheld allows you to target tough-to-reach areas (hello, glutes) and moderate your pressure.
Then there’s the included cradle, where you can station the massager and go hands-free to massage feet, legs, hips, and more. One of our testers used the RPM in this way to go after a nagging hamstring injury that had been dogging him for years — and to great success. Used like a stationary foam roller, the RPM works away for as long as you can bear.
Because the Chirp RPM goes wide with its massage (its rollers are about 7 long), this massager is better for targeting broad and large muscle groups, rather than pinpointing knots. Paired with a massage ball, there’s little it can’t loosen up. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it — this is the second most expensive roller in our review — but for the versatility, it’s well worth it.
$250 at AmazonCheck Price at Chirp Best of the Rest Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Specs Battery life 3 hrs. Weight 1.5 lbs.
Pros Sleek design Lightweight Highly portable TSA-approved Cons Less powerful than other models No Bluetooth connectivity No carrying case Austin Beck-Doss The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 ($129) offers many of the same options and features as the Hypervolt 2 in a smaller and more portable package. The Hypervolt Go 2 weighs in at 1.5 pounds and comes with two basic attachments to meet your travel massage needs. Like the Hypervolt 2, the Go 2 offers three speeds via a 40W brushless motor.
Our tester found the Go 2 to be a little bit undergunned for more intense recovery sessions, but still plenty powerful for warming up and loosening tight muscles in the neck and shoulders before heading to the gym. The Hypervolt Go 2 has a 3-hour battery life and charges in about an hour. It features a transitioning light at the base of the handle to let users know how much charge is left and when to plug it in.
The ergonomics of the Hypervolt Go 2 are top-notch. Its comfortable in the hand and never felt clunky or unwieldy. At 1.5 lbs, its light enough to throw in the bag to take with you to the gym, the crag, or on trips. All of Hyperices percussion massagers are TSA approved which means one less thing to worry about while traveling. The lack of a carrying case makes it difficult to keep everything together in your luggage — the attachments are small and easy to lose.
Unlike the Hypervolt 2, the Go 2 does not offer Bluetooth connectivity with the Hyperice App, though users are still able to follow along with different routines. At $129 the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is a competitively priced travel massager with an excellent fit and finish. Though its less powerful than other models on the list, the Go 2 will certainly meet most folks needs. If you want a high-quality portable percussion massager, check out the Hypervolt Go 2.
$129 at REICheck Price at Amazon ROLL Recovery R1 Specs Battery Lithium-ion rechargeable battery Weight 1.2 lbs. Speeds 4 Heads 4 Power 40 W, 50 W maximum
Pros Quiet and effective at deep-tissue massage Compact Reliably long battery life Hefty, solid, ergonomic feel and refined aesthetic Cons Minimal instructions A little heavy to bring to the crag Austin Beck-Doss Looking for a sleek, lightweight, packable recovery tool? New for 2022, the Roll Recovery R1 Percussion Massager fits the bill. A runner-up for our “most portable” pick, and by far our favorite for those who frequently travel, the R1 uses the force of percussive therapy to improve performance and accelerate recovery. But the R1 is tiny.
Nonetheless, the R1 comes with four different attachment heads, has four different speeds, and has up to 7 hours of battery life — all at an accessible price of $129.
Also one of the most competitive price points for percussion massagers on this list, the Roll Recovery R1 Percussion Massager is definitely worth looking into. Read our full review.
$129 at AmazonCheck Price at ROLL VYBE Pro Muscle Massage Gun Specs Battery 3-hr. runtime Weight 4.5 lbs.
Pros Price Variety High speed Cons Weight Not the highest amplitude available Austin Beck-Doss The VYBE Pro Muscle Massage Gun ($90) delivers impressive variety. It can reach up to 3,400 ppm with nine different speed options, meaning you can get really specific with the type of treatment/massage youre looking for.
The Pro comes with eight different head attachments. Certain heads will give you 12 mm of amplitude and 30 pounds of resistance, while others will provide 10 mm and 20 pounds. This isnt quite enough to blast your quads to work out knots, but its enough to maintain optimal performance with regular recovery use.
When looking for a multitude of options, the VYBE Pro Muscle Massage Gun is the best percussion gun on the market for precisely that. However, it does weigh a whopping 4.5 pounds, which also makes it one of the heaviest out there.
$118 at AmazonCheck Price at Walmart TriggerPoint Performance Impact Specs Battery 2-hr. lithium-ion Weight 2.4 lbs.
Pros High ppm Quiet motor Price Cons Only one head attachment Irritating seam on the handle No carrying case Austin Beck-Doss TriggerPoint’s first attempt at a percussion massager is the Triggerpoint Performance Impact ($200). This compact gun falls into the lower-to-mid price range, and we think its a fair price for what it offers.
This gun’s positives include its capability to hit 3,300 ppm, along with three other lower-speed options, giving you the opportunity to warm your muscles up to more vigorous, deep-tissue massages.
Unlike other massage guns on the market, the Triggerpoint Performance Impact comes with only one head attachment that is not interchangeable. If this is an essential area for you, it may be worth looking into different guns.
Note: The seams on the handle can cause mild irritation when working for long periods of time.
$95 at Amazon Legiral Le3 Silver Specs Battery 6-hr. lithium-polymer battery Weight 4.1 lbs.
Pros Affordable Quiet Accesses deep tissue Cons Non-ergonomic handle Austin Beck-Doss This powerful percussion massager from Legiral is among the most affordable options on our list. Many users find the Lerigal Le3 Silver ($90) to be just as effective as the Theragun G5 Pro — at a significantly lower price point. It may not offer the same long-term durability, but the comparison says a lot.
Adding to the value, a carrying case and six different attachments are included in the price. You can access 20 different speed strengths via a simple LCD touchscreen, and the stroke depth of 16 mm allows the massager to reach deep underlying tissue.
Legiral outfits all their massage guns with brushless motors, which are impressively quiet without sacrificing power. The high-quality motor is powered by a 2,500mAh rechargeable lithium battery, which provides over 6 hours of working time when fully charged.
Some users find the handle slightly uncomfortable to hold throughout long massage sessions. Still, the Lerigal Le3 Silver offers massaging performance and recovery-assisting utility on par with some of the best percussion guns on the market.
Check Price at Legiral Percussion Massage Gun Comparison Chart
Percussion Massager | Price | Battery | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Theragun G5 PRO | $599 | 2 lithium-ion batteries, 2.5-hr. life each, 75-min. charge time |
2.9 lbs. |
Hyperice Hypervolt2 | $199 | 3-hr. lithium-ion rechargeable battery | 2.5 lbs. |
Theragun Mini | $150 | 2.5-hr. lithium-ion rechargeable battery | 1.43 lbs. |
Turonic GM5 Massage Gun | $160 | Lithium-ion battery | 1.7 lbs. |
Chirp RPM | $250 | 2-hr. lithium-ion rechargeable battery | 3.75 lbs. |
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 | $129 | 3-hr. lithium-ion rechargeable battery | 1.5 lbs. |
VYBE Pro Muscle Massage Gun | $90 | 40-min. runtime | 2.2 lbs. |
TriggerPoint Performance Impact | $260 | 2-hr lithium-ion rechargeable battery | 2.4 lbs. |
Legiral Le3 Silver | $85 | 6-hr. lithium-polymer battery | 4.1 lbs. |
Roll Recovery R1 | $129 | Lithium-ion rechargeable battery | 1.2 lbs |
The compact Hypervolt Go easily fits in your luggage or gym bag; (photo/Paul Mandell) Why You Should Trust Us The GearJunkie team is full of mountain bikers, climbers, trail runners, and recreators of all types. We live our best moments in the outdoors, but we arent as young and spry as we used to be.
For us, the value of recovery tools is increasing with each passing season. As massage gun technology has improved over recent years, they have become a staple of our active lives.
To identify the best percussion massagers on the market, weve tested dozens of models and carefully observed their long-term effectiveness. When testing, we pay careful attention to design, power, customizability, battery life, and more.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Percussion Massager The best percussion massager for you depends on a variety of factors. Most importantly, start by thinking about how you plan to use it.
Is it for daily sports recovery? Or do you just need a shoulder massage every now and then? Once you understand how youll use it, you can easily prioritize the considerations outlined below.
Speed and Power A percussion massage gun’s speed is normally measured in percussions, or strokes, per minute (ppm). Typically, these will range anywhere from 1,200 to 3,400 ppm.
In general, the speed will increase the intensity of the massage. Having a wide range available can also be a great benefit for different aims.
When using a percussion massage gun, it seems obvious that the harder you press, the deeper the massage will get.
Some massage guns will give up to 60 pounds of pressure without stalling, while others can only handle up to 20 pounds. If youre looking for a more surface-level massage, lower power can suffice.
If you apply too much pressure with a low-power massage gun, the percussion will stall, which can be harmful to the motor over time.
A powerful percussion massager can speed up your recovery time; (photo/Paul Mandel) Attachments Different head attachments are designed for different muscle groups. Each massaging head delivers specific outcomes with each unique shape.
These attachments are just another factor that allows for customization and, if used correctly, can provide more relief to sore muscles. There are five baseline head attachments to choose from — though some products come with more options.
Cushioned A cushioned head is recommended for those just starting to get the feel for their percussion massager. It doesn’t allow for very deep penetration and utilizes a lot more vibration therapy tactics for more sensitive areas such as the neck. This is a great option to warm up muscles before starting to get into deep tissue.
Massagers from Therabody and Hyperice include a variety of attachments to target different muscle groups(photo/Paul Mandel) Round For bigger muscle groups, grab the round head attachment. It has more give than other attachments but can still provide deeper penetration. The glutes or hamstrings are ideal candidates for this attachment.
This head is specifically designed to reach into smaller muscle groups and provide some precision pressure. It has a two-prong shape that applies pressure to both sides of the spine, targeting the muscles that wrap around your spinal cord.
Its also great to use on forearms around the bone for providing deep relief after an intense forearm workout (specifically, climbing).
Flat A flathead attachment mainly focuses on the vibration therapy aspect of massage guns. The contact area of the flathead allows you to cover a higher surface area, making this another great attachment for large muscle groups.
It still has the capacity to reach deep into those muscle groups, providing the power needed for serious relief and an increase in range of motion.
Bullet Compared to a flathead attachment, a bullet is on the opposite end of the head attachment spectrum. It brings all the percussion and vibration into one specific point. The ability to target with immense precision gives it the most intense power.
There are several additional head attachments that a lot of percussion massagers will offer, while others come with only one head and don’t even allow you to switch it up. On our list, the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 and the Theragun G5 PRO both bring all of the basics in head attachments with no fluff.
Portability Your percussion massager should be able to join you in all your travel plans. Many of the percussion guns on our list come with a handy carrying case that can make them incredibly easy to travel with. Most of the options here come in under 3 pounds, which won’t add too much to the gym bag or carry-on.
For the best portability, the Theragun Mini delivers all of the power most of the other products have but at a fraction of the weight. Its easy to pack and bring wherever you may go.
Battery Life Long workouts often lead to long massage sessions, so make sure you have the battery to handle it. The Theragun G5 PRO undoubtedly has the best battery options, with each of the two included batteries lasting up to 2.5 hours. When one runs out, popping the second in will save your session from an abrupt end.
Price A $600 price tag can turn anyone away quickly. It’s hard to spend that much money, especially if youre just trying out a product. Fortunately, a lot of these percussion guns have the same high-quality performance for a fraction of the price.
Several of the best percussion massagers come at a reasonable price. The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun Pro has one of the lowest prices on this list but still has a huge array of options and quality performance.
FAQ Which percussion massager is best for me? The best percussion massager for you depends on a lot of variables. If you regularly train hard or want a massager that can stand up to daily use, theTheragun G5 PROis the best percussion massager on the market.
If you’re looking just to try it out, theVYBE Pro Percussion Massage Gunmay be right up your alley.
When should I use a percussion massager? A percussion massager is an incredibly versatile tool. Use it when you wake up with a sore neck because of a rough night’s sleep, after a big training session, or as a daily part of your self-care routine.
Which massage gun attachment should I use? When getting into percussive and vibration therapy, a cushioned head is often suggested as the first attachment to use. It offers a lot of forgiveness and doesn’t penetrate too deeply, too quickly.
From there, you can move on to a round head for a deeper massage, whereas more pointed attachments work well for targeting very specific knots.
Why People in Sweden Do Nature Right
Colorado’s I
The Best Sports Bras of 2024
Did Surfline Revolutionize the Sport or Kill a Part of Its Renegade Soul?
Can Golf Be an Endurance Sport?
The Best Running Hydration Vests of 2024
Meet the Adventure Sandal You Didn’t Know You Needed
The Gear Our Editors Loved in January