The best massage guns for pain relief and recovery right at home - SFGATE

[Stacey L. Nash]

The best massage guns of 2025.

Bridget Mallon


The best massage guns are a refreshingly blunt instrument of relief in a world of overpriced tinctures and fleeting wellness trends. While they’re not quite the same as a session with your favorite masseuse, they cost less and can give you pain relief and aid recovery anytime you need it. Massage guns, also known as percussion massagers, come in different designs, shapes, and sizes. Don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget because you can find percussive relief in all price ranges. Think of them as a tool to use alongside other recovery methods like recovery shoes, foot massagers, and cold plunges. We tested some ourselves and dug into research for the others on our list to create a curated list of massage guns that will shake out your aches and pains.

How we decided on the best percussion massagers and massage guns​

For the in-person testing, I tried all of the heads on the massage guns over a period of three months. The massage guns were charged twice, including the attachments. The guns were used at different angles and areas of the body and at all speeds. Researched models were vetted using user reviews and research into the design and materials, plus performance specs.






TheraGun enjoys a strong reputation in the percussion massager space for good reason. The Prime Plus offers the strong but quiet performance for which this brand is known. A multi-angle, ergonomic handle allows users to self-massage from various angles for more effective pain relief. It integrates with an app, which includes customizable speeds as you work through app-guided massage routines.

Design​

The TheraGun Prime features the company’s triangular design, but it’s been refined with a more ergonomic grip. This should make it easier to hold, especially when trying to massage harder to reach places like the back of your thigh or upper back. The Prime Plus comes with four attachments (Heated Percussive Plus, Dampener, Standard Ball, and Wedge), which can be used for different therapies. You can also pick up the optional Cold Plus, Vibration Plus, or Thumb Plus attachments if you want even more variety. TheraGun also includes a travel pouch, QuietForce Technology oil, and USB-C charging cable.


This massage gun has four modes: Heat therapy, percussive therapy, vibration therapy, and cold therapy. The first two modes can be used right out of the box, while the second two require you to pick up the optional attachments we mentioned earlier. The TheraGun Prime Plus supports three levels of heat, so you can find the one that feels most comfortable and offers the most relief. You can adjust your massage speed or change the massage gun’s heat level by pressing buttons on top of the TheraGun Prime. Each button has lights around them that illuminate as you switch settings, so you’ll know that the massage gun has registered a change.


If you’ve never used a massage gun before, and don’t know where to start, we recommend using Theragun’s app, which is available on iOS and Android. The app walks you through guided massage programs, automatically adjusting settings on the massage gun, so you don’t have to. This recovery data can be synced with Google Fit, Strava, and Apple Health. Using the app is optional, but we like that TheraGun has the option as you get to know the massage gun before you move on to creating a custom routine.

Performance​

TheraGun says the Prime Plus offers relief three times faster than other options without a heat setting. This makes a big difference because it can be difficult to devote a lot of time to a massage gun session after a tough workout. Similarly, TheraGun says the Prime Plus offers a massage that goes deeper into your muscles for additional relief. The massage gun achieves this level of performance while being 95% quieter than the TheraGun Prime. This dramatic reduction will allow you to use the massage gun around other people without disturbing them.

Bottom line​

You probably aren’t going to have the option to go to a massage parlor after every workout, but the TheraGun Prime Plus can help alleviate aches and pains to help you avoid soreness at home or in the gym. The included attachments let you access most of its functions, and TheraGun’s app makes using the Prime Plus approachable to everyone. Optional accessories unlock even more modes, and make the Theragun Prime Plus even more versatile.

Specs: ​

• Weight: 4.45 pounds
• Number of Attachments: 4
• Speeds: 5
• Warranty: 1 year

What we like:​

This model provides quiet performance and impressive battery life. We also like the ergonomic handle that helps users get the perfect angle.

What we don’t like:​

Even the lowest setting can be a bit too powerful for some users.

Design​

The C2 Pro has a compact design with a silicon-covered handle. It comes with five attachments, one of which is a hot/cold head. The head’s design allows you to change from hot to cold within the same massage session, which became my go-to method after long runs.


For a hot/cold massage gun, it’s relatively light at 1.5 pounds. The instruction manual includes massage guides that show the order in which to massage muscle groups and the direction in which to massage the muscle. It offers guidance on which heads to use and how long to focus on different parts of the body, too.


The only design feature I didn’t care for was the head attachment system, though it wasn’t a deal breaker. The attachments are designed to screw in, which they did, but sometimes it was difficult to get them attached. Once in a while, I was left wondering if I had the head screwed in correctly, though they were always secure and never fell out.

Performance​

The C2 Pro performed beautifully. While you have to charge the hot/cold attachment separately from the gun, it does feel amazing on sore muscles. I used it directly after strenuous workouts and hours later when delayed onset muscle soreness began. The five speeds are powerful despite the lower 10 mm amplitude.

Bottom line​

The C2 provides a wide variety of attachments, including a super soothing hot/cold attachment. This model is lightweight, yet powerful enough for a deep massage. If you want even more portability, take a look at the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun. The body design is smaller, but it also comes with five attachments, including the hot/cold attachment.

Specs:​

• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Number of Attachments: 5
• Speeds: 5
• Warranty: 12 months with free option to extend to 24 months

What we like:​

The attachment variety, especially the hot/cold attachment, which is easy to use and feels amazing.

What we didn’t like:​

The attachment mechanism sometimes felt like a guessing game.


TL;DR: This massage gun delivers soothing hot/cold therapy in a surprisingly lightweight package, though attaching the heads took a few tries to get right.

Design​

The Ekrin is a massage gun powerhouse with a 13 mm amplitude and weight of just 2.2 pounds. The six attachments include an air cushion head, which you don’t find with every massage gun. This attachment’s softer head is meant for more sensitive areas. A dial controls the six speeds and is easy to adjust during use. However, of all the features, the angled handle is the one that makes it stand out the most. That angle is meant to help users hit hard-to-reach areas, which it definitely did.


The attachment mechanism is stellar. The heads have two tabs that you can hear click into place when the heads are fully attached. It made it very easy to change them out.


The Kestrel’s user manual includes information on how to use the massager on different muscle groups, including how long to work on various muscle groups. The guide was helpful to an extent, but the descriptions were short and diagrams were small.

Performance​

I was skeptical about the angled handle of this model, but it truly made a difference in my comfort while using it and made it easier to reach my shoulders, back, hamstrings, and calves. The slight change in angle meant I didn’t have to contort my wrist or arm to reach painful spots. This model has more than enough power for competitive athletes and laymen alike. It can reach deep into muscles, and the attachment options let you target small and large muscle groups. The speed adjustment dial makes it easy to adjust the speed. However, the higher the speed the noisier the Kestrel became. The noise level was really the only thing I didn’t like about this model.

Bottom line​

The Kestrel’s power, diverse attachments, and ergonomic handle design come together in a model that can target problem areas with settings that will work as well for competitive athletes as it will for those who need relief from daily aches and pains. It’s noisy and not as portable as smaller models, but the solid performance made that easy to overlook.

Specs:​

• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Number of Attachments: 6
• Speeds: 6
• Warranty: Lifetime

What we like:​

The Kestrel’s angled handle improved access and comfort when reaching difficult areas. That design, coupled with the power and array of attachments, makes this model a versatile recovery tool.

What we didn’t like:​

This model is noisy, with the noise increasing with the speed.


TL;DR: This massage gun’s angled handle and power have got your back (and everywhere else that’s hard to reach), though it will announce its therapeutic prowess quite loudly to anyone in the room.






The TheraGun Mini Massage Gun is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than TheraGun’s full-size models, but it has impressive power for its size. The handle design also offers multi-angle holds, so users can reach shoulders, calves, and back. It can integrate with Therabody’s app for guided massage routines, too. Finally, it has three speeds, a 12mm amplitude, and a quiet motor.

Specs:​

• Weight: 1 pound
• Number of Attachments: 3
• Speeds: 3
• Warranty: 1 year (device), 90-day limited warranty (battery and attachments)

What we like:​

We like the quiet operation and portable size.

What we don’t like:​

For the price, the 90-day warranty on the battery and attachments is disappointing.






The RENPHO Massage Gun costs a fraction of what a premium model will set you back, yet it comes with five attachments, five speeds, and Bluetooth control. RENPHO’s app lets you adjust the massage level. More importantly, it includes massage routines for different activities and body parts, such as run recovery and neck or shoulder pain. The guided routines help users better utilize the massager

Specs:​

• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Number of Attachments: 5
• Speeds: 5
• Warranty: 1 year

What we like:​

The number of attachments combined with the app and its guided massage routines let users get targeted massages at a decent price.

What we don’t like:​

The battery life seems to degrade quickly.

Things to keep in mind when searching for massage guns​

Percussion massagers can do amazing things for tight, sore muscles. There are also features that can offer added benefits, letting you target specific areas of the body or influence the recovery methods you can use. Here's what to consider:

Speeds​

On average, massage guns have three to five-speed settings, with higher settings increasing the rotations per minute (RPM). Most models fall in the 1,200 to 3,200 RPM range. Some of the more powerful guns may offer RPM ranges between 1,000 to 5,000. Start at the slower speeds and work your way up to higher speeds to adapt to the depth and strength of the massage.

Amplitude​

Amplitude refers to how deep into the tissue the massager goes. Most people get enough of a massage with an amplitude of around 10 to 13 millimeters. Competitive athletes may need an amplitude of up to 15 or 16 mm to fully complement their training regimen.

Attachments​

Different attachment heads let you target various areas of the body. Most models come with at least two, and some with many more. The most common are:

• Ball
• Fork
• Bullet
• Padded round
• Flat

Hold/cold heads are now more common, though they may need to be charged independently from the massager.

Size and ergonomics​

Percussion massagers can be heavy, which can make it difficult to work your muscles as much as you’d like. However, larger models tend to have more speeds and more powerful amplitudes.


Angled handles and handles designed for different grips can help when massaging the calves or shoulders. Longer handles can also be helpful when massaging your low to mid-back.

Battery​

Battery life can vary widely from model to model, with 2.5 to 8 hours (on the lowest settings) being the most common range. Keep in mind that the higher the speed settings, the faster the battery will run out. Be careful using a massage gun for extended periods of time as too much use can cause bruising.

Noise​

Noise can make a difference, especially if you’re trying to relax while you massage. In general, inexpensive models tend to be louder than higher-end models. The mid-range, between $100 to $200, often balances noise with price and performance. However, premium models that are $200 to $500 often have impressive power and settings, while being deceptively quiet.

Final thoughts on choosing the best massage guns​

Strategic use of percussion massage can be a powerful recovery tool after a challenging workout or daily after using an elliptical or treadmill. For those plagued with sore muscles, a premium model with five or six speeds, ample amplitude, and ergonomic handle variations is a great option. Mini massagers can provide on-the-go relief, whether you’re at work or on the road. Ultimately, these massage tools have a lot to offer and come in designs that cater to a wide range of needs..

Percussion massager FAQs​

Which massage gun is best?​

The best massage gun is always the one that includes the speed settings, battery life, and attachments you need while staying within your budget. If we’re looking at brand performance and durability, Theragun continues to make some of the best. However, they’re pricey. Models in the mid-range between $100 and $250 can offer many of the same features for a lower price.

Why should I use a massage gun?​

There’s a growing body of research exploring the benefits of massage gun use. However, they don’t work for everyone. A small 2023 study found that a percussion massager improved range of motion in the knee. While a 2024 study found that some people showed improved recovery and performance while others didn’t. However, many studies have found that participants report less pain with massage guns, even though the evidence doesn’t suggest a decrease in injury recovery.

Where should I not use a massage gun?​

Areas on which you shouldn’t use a massage gun include:

• Head and face
• Neck
• Areas with torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles
• Areas with open wounds
• Areas with more exposed arteries, like the armpits, elbows, front of the groin, collar bone, and back of the knee
• Any area where you have low sensation

Additionally, massage guns may worsen injuries for those with iron deficiency, kidney disease, diabetes, or blood-clotting conditions.

Can I use a massage gun every day?​

You can use a massage gun every day, but it shouldn’t be used for prolonged periods of time (more than two minutes) over any one muscle group at a time. Pre-workout, you can use a percussion massager for 30-40 seconds over different muscle groups to increase blood flow. Post-exercise, keep the massage time under two minutes per muscle group. More than that and the massage gun may cause bruising and increase muscle pain.

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