Ramp up your R&R efforts with our tried and tested pick of the best massage guns
The best massage guns make the perfect pocket-friendly substitute for a private masseuse, so it's no surprise they've taken the wellness scene by storm in recent years and are still going strong.
Whether your body often aches after exercise, you struggle with back pain or you urgently need the kind of stress relief that only a deep-tissue massage can provide, it's well worth investing.
Our Good Housekeeping Institute fitness experts put a range of top massage guns from leading brands to the test on their sore muscles and found the best to suit all needs and budgets.
How do I know which massage gun is best?
There's a lot of choice out there, making it tricky to know which massage gun to buy. Helpfully, our Good Housekeeping Institute expert has taken the pummelling for you to find the very best on the market. Here are our winners at a glance, with the full reviews below.
Are massage guns worth the price?
Not only do the best massage guns help aid muscle recovery after exercise, but they can also help anyone looking to relieve muscle and back pain and increase mobility. So yes, we think they're worth the money!
Over to Vic Paterson, a soft tissue therapist and co-founder of State 11 Soft Tissue Therapy, to explain how massage guns work in simple terms. “It’s called a massage gun, but it's not a massage like you would get from a professional,” she says. “Instead, it's percussive therapy – pounding, jigging and whacking the muscle. This helps ease muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to the area, which in turn can help reduce inflammation and soreness.”
Want to know more about the benefits of massage guns? Check out our expert guide.
How do I choose a massage gun?
Massage guns can be expensive. Before you part with your cash, ask yourself why you’re buying one and make sure you know which factors to consider. If you mainly want a massage gun for relaxation purposes, a less “punchy” model will likely suffice, and you won’t need to spend so much.
If you’re a serious athlete wanting a powerful machine, note the amplitude — the higher the number (measured in millimetres), the more deeply the massage gun can hit. Look for one with a choice of low, medium and high speed settings, too. These are usually measured in rpm or ppm, which stands for revolutions or percussions per minute.
Choose a model that comes with multiple massage heads, from the standard ball head for bigger muscle groups to cone, wedge and thumb heads for working on smaller and more sensitive areas. If you’re planning to take your massage gun to the gym with you, consider its weight, portability and battery life.
How do you use a massage gun?
Using a massage gun is surprisingly simple. Simply switch it on, move it slowly over your muscles and let it work its magic. There’s no need to apply extra pressure to enjoy an effective massage.
“Like any piece of medical equipment, you have to be careful when using a massage gun,” says Paterson. “It should come with instructions for safe use, but, in short, don't turn it up to full and stick it on your neck! Start at the lowest setting and avoid bone because that will hurt.
“Concentrate on the big, meaty muscles such as the biceps, triceps, thighs and glutes, and don't use it for too long — it will only make things sorer! Don't use it on strains or sprains and speak to your doctor first if you have osteoporosis or high blood pressure.”
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to use a massage gun depending on your needs.
How we test massage guns
Our expert GHI tester trialled a range of massage guns over a three-week period, using them after a wide range of exercises, from weightlifting and running to HIIT and yoga.
They considered how easy each massage gun was to control, how smoothly it moved over the skin and whether the different massage head attachments were effective, as well as the practicality and intuitiveness of each massager's controls and overall design.
Here are the best massage guns on the market, primed and ready to soothe your aching muscles.
Pro Physio Massage Gun
Score: 100/100
This massage gun wowed our tester; its final score speaks for itself. Packed with innovation, you can heat it up to 47C in under two minutes for a warm massage, or freeze the interchangeable cool gel head for four hours for the ultimate cool down. These contrasting temperatures will help prime muscles pre-exercise by promoting blood flow and providing a perfect post-workout cooldown respectively.
The HoMedics Pro comes with a carry case, but as it's on the larger side, it isn’t the best for on-the-go use. However, it was surprisingly light for its size, making it easy to manoeuvre at home.
No matter which head our tester used, it glided smoothly over skin with minimal noise. They also liked the handy diagrams that showed you how to get the most out of the product.
Mini Q2 Massage Gun
Score: 98/100
Powerful, easy to use and affordable, our expert tester was blown away by this sleek little massager.
Unlike many of its pocket-friendly competitors, it has five speed settings and five attachments for targeting different areas, plus it comes with a sleek carry case that has plenty of room for all the accessories (handy for travel). In the box, you’ll also find an insightful user guide, packed with step-by-step routines showing you how to soothe all manner of aches and pains.
According to our tester, it’s a pleasure to use from the get-go thanks to its ergonomic design. It’s lightweight (no aching arms here) and the buttons are perfectly placed for easy access mid-pummel. Performance-wise, our massage experience was extremely smooth, with no painful jogging or juddering when it was moved over our joints.
If that wasn’t enough, the device automatically turns off after 10 minutes if it’s not in use to preserve battery, and it supports USB-C charging. For some, the petite handle may feel a bit short, but that was our one and only niggle.
Mini 2nd Gen
Score: 95/100
Massage guns don’t come more compact than the Theragun Mini. Weighing just 450g, this palm-sized device is easily grabbable on the go – simply hook the stylish travel case onto your bag for sweet relief anytime, anywhere.
Our expert found it ultra quiet, so you can tend to sore muscles with minimal fuss, and its small stature doesn't make it any less powerful. It moved smoothly over skin, with no irritating dragging or pulling, and it was effortless to switch between settings mid-use. The Therabody app particularly pleased our tester; it’s packed with beginner-friendly follow-along routines for exercise recovery, sleep, work, travel and more.
Reaching trickier areas such as the lower back can feel a bit awkward, and you can only fit one head in the case, but these are minor flaws for an otherwise exceptional product.
PRO 5th Gen
Score: 95/100
Dedicated athletes, look no further. Though a considerable investment, the new iteration of the Theragun PRO comes with a host of clever upgrades, including a brushless motor for reduced noise, two new attachments, USB-C charging and a high-resolution OLED screen for following pre-set routines – a feature that earned high praise from our tester. There are four routines to choose from on the device, but they recommend connecting to the user-friendly Therabody app for myriad personalised options that target specific aches and pains.
Despite all its techy features, this sleek massager is surprisingly simple to use thanks to a handy quick-start guide and video tutorials. Its intuitive controls meant no fumbling about changing the speed or turning it on and off, while the triangular shape affords excellent grip and the adjustable arm helps you tackle those harder-to-reach areas. Though bulky, the well-designed carry case means it’s also travel-friendly.
This hero model is hard to fault; it’s a little heavy and our arms started to ache after a while, but that’s a tiny quibble. If you're ready to ramp up your relaxation efforts, the PRO is a worthy choice.
G5 Massage Gun
Score: 90/100
If you’re new to percussive therapy and not sure where to begin, the Turonic G5 is a great option. It comes with very detailed instructions, clearly demonstrating the various massages you can perform with the device.
Better still, there are five speed settings and seven interchangeable heads (which you can use with massage oil), allowing you to target different muscle groups and areas of the body. There’s even a head designed to combat and help reduce cellulite – a first in our round-up.
Our tester did experience some discomfort on the lower speed settings due to jolting, and while it does come with a carry case, it’s heavy, so we wouldn’t recommend it for on-the-go massaging. But when you consider the variety of massaging options it provides and how straightforward it is to use, these niggles don't feel like a dealbreaker.
Massage Gun
Score: 89/100
This massage gun offers excellent value for money (it's currently under £100), given that it comes with five massaging heads. It moves rapidly over your muscles, massaging them to great effect without causing any discomfort. The handle vibrates a lot, especially at full power, but the speed can easily be lowered if your arm starts to ache.
It comes with useful instructions, but their translation from Chinese is patchy. A USB cable is included for recharging its sizeable battery on the go too, but there's no charging head.
C2 Pro
Score: 87/100
Physiotherapists Bob and Brad decided to revisit their classic C2 massage gun and give it an upgrade with this Pro version. So, what’s new? Firstly, the amplitude – the distance the massage gun travels back and forth as it pummels the skin – has gone from 8mm to 10mm, allowing deeper penetration to tackle sore muscles. The C2 Pro also has a digital screen to display the speed level, making it easier to control, and a pressure ring display, which lets you know how much force you’re applying to avoid injury or bruising.
But the most notable upgrade is the addition of heat and cold therapy. You can either warm the head up to 40-45°C or cool it down to 10-15°C. Heat therapy helps to boost blood flow to the muscles, which is great for warm-ups, while cold therapy works to reduce swelling and pain in muscles, which makes it the perfect post-workout option. Alongside the temperature-changing head are four other attachments that can be packed away into a lightweight case, making this a good portable option.
However, our tester did say it was hard to be sure if the heads were fully attached, so it’s worth giving them an extra push to check they’re in place.
Hypervolt Go 2
Score: 87/100
Some of the bulkier options on this list may be too cumbersome to take with you on the go, but there was no such problem with this pocket-sized model from Hyperice. The compact design means it effortlessly fits in most gym bags and it's easy to manoeuvre.
The absence of a carry case is disappointing but the Go2 makes up for that with power and ease of use. It packs a considerable punch given its modest dimensions and comes with useful instructions, with our tester praising its seamless movement over their muscles.
The Go2 also ticks the box in terms of aesthetics – its modern design has a decidedly premium feel and stands out from the crowd.
Note, this machine comes with just two massage heads, which is less than the others on this list, but it you’re after quick and easy muscle relief, it’s no problem.
Deep Tissue Percussive Massage Gun
Score: 87/100
If you’re after a small massage gun that still offers versatility, consider this fuss-friendly Boots offering. There are three speed settings and four interchangeable heads (a ball, fork, bullet and flat head) for alleviating aches and pains, whether you need some post-exercise relief or you’ve been hunched over your desk for too long.
It wasn’t the most powerful massager on test – the first speed in particular was extremely gentle – so it’s not one for serious gym-goers, but it’s still great for releasing tension. It moved seamlessly over the skin with no painful snagging, and it scored top marks for noise level, allowing you to treat sore muscles on the go without attracting attention.
We welcomed the compact carry case, which fits all the different attachments and charger neatly inside, and the device itself was easy to operate thanks to a conveniently placed control button and detailed instructions. It’s on the heavy side despite its small stature and the short handle made it trickier to reach sore spots on our backs, but it's a snip for under £50.
Q2 Pro
Score: 87/100
An updated version of Bob & Brad’s top-rated Q2 device (the runner-up in this article) this comes with new features including a ‘heat and ice’ attachment to supercharge your recovery.
There are two cooling and heated settings to choose from; simply press the button on the attachment to switch between the temperatures. Our tester said they felt pleasant during their massage sessions, but thought they could have been a bit stronger. There are also four other attachments, including a fork, a foam ball and a steel flat head, to target all areas.
Like the original Q2, the pocket-sized device is ultra lightweight and comes with a neat carry case, which is ideal for travel. It also scored highly for noise control – it’s quiet enough to whip out on the train or at your desk without raising any eyebrows – and we found the battery life lived up to its claims.
It’s comfy to grip but the handle is on the short side so reaching those tricky areas may be a struggle. For under £100, though, it’s a top choice for those on a budget.
Theragun Sense
Score: 86/100
If you’re after a massager for its relaxing properties, the Theragun Sense offers an affordable alternative to a weekly session with a professional masseuse. Along with standard percussive therapy, it provides breathwork sessions to help you de-stress, unwind and even sleep better.
Simply place your finger on the biometric sensor tucked into the inner arm of the device and follow the guided routine via the LCD screen. Haptic vibrations act as breathing cues, letting you know when to inhale and exhale, and there’s soothing music to help you get in the mood. Afterwards, you can compare your pre- and post-session heart rate to see if your body really is more relaxed – our tester was a big fan of this feature.
Our expert also rated the range of guided massage routines – including Sleep, Back Pain and Tension Relief – available via the screen, with clear instructions on where to place the massage gun and how long to target each area for.
Vyper 3
Score: 86/100
Not your typical massage gun, the Vyper 3 is more of a vibrating foam roller, designed to “accelerate your warm-up, speed recovery time and keep you moving better”.
Ideal for those who are after an intense foam rolling experience, it has a smooth shell and diamond-shaped ridges that allow you to get deep into your muscles and address any knots or trigger points.
What’s more, it offers three speed settings so you can vary the intensity, depending on how sore you’re feeling. As it is on the bigger side, we’d say it’s best suited to targeting large muscles.
Note, the Vyper 3 device is rather loud when placed on the floor due to the vibrations, so you’ll have to time your massaging sessions carefully to avoid disturbing others.
Elite
Score: 84/100
If you’re willing to splash some cash on a massage gun that will deliver long-lasting results, consider this serious bit of kit. The third Therabody product on our list, the Theragun Elite claims to reach 60% deeper into the muscle than average massagers, thanks to a hardcore 16mm amplitude.
Our testers found it very powerful and effective, but noisy. They rated its triangular handle, which allowed them to massage a wide range of muscles, with good control. They also loved its app, which guides you through warm-up and post-workout massages and issues warnings if you apply too much pressure.
Theragun PRO Plus
Score: 83/100
Dedicated athletes, look no further. Though a considerable investment, this shiny new Theragun Pro Plus comes with a host of clever upgrades to take your recovery to the next level.
We’re talking near infrared LED light therapy to penetrate deep into the muscles and boost circulation, a heated head to loosen up stiff areas, and a biometric sensor for heart rate readings and breathwork sessions – ideal when you’re in need of some stress relief. There’s also a cold therapy attachment, but this must be bought separately.
Our tester heaped praise on the range of attachments for handling all types of aches and pains. They were particularly impressed with the heated head, which has three temperature settings ranging from 45C to 55C, and liked how powerful the device was, saying they felt “thoroughly massaged” after using it.
There’s an LCD screen for following pre-set routines, plus myriad personalised massages available on the Therabody app.
Deep Tissue Massager
Score: 80/100
Feeling intimidated by some of the heavy-duty massage guns on our roundup? Try this gentler model, which has a variable speed dial for adjusting the intensity of your massage. Its long handle makes it easy to massage all body parts, even if you have mobility issues.
Its laudable range of massage heads includes a four-finger attachment that mimics a human hand (it sounds creepy, but it’s effective!). For casual use, this tool is a winner, but committed sporty types may find it lacks oomph. Its length makes it a tad tricky to store, too, and it doesn’t come with a case.
Massage Gun
Score: 79/100
This aesthetically pleasing device from up-and-coming massage gun brand Lola is all over the internet right now and after testing it, we can see why. Not only does it look the part, but it also scored highly for design, ease of use and performance. Note, it also comes in baby pink, blue and pale mint shades.
It has four interchangeable heads for providing relief in different areas, including a flat head to target niggly spots such as the neck, ankles and calves, and a cone to get deep into your muscles and hit your pressure points. Our experts found it easy to operate and switch between the four speed settings thanks to the responsive, user-friendly buttons on the handle.
They also said it was sufficiently powerful, providing instant relief from soreness, even at lower speeds. There were no issues with jolting or juddering over their skin, making for an extremely smooth massage experience.
Even better, it’s the same size as an iPhone and comes with a sleek travel pouch, so it’s a great one to take on holiday or to the gym. The quiet motor means it won’t attract any unwanted attention, either. Lola offers a 30-day money back guarantee for peace of mind when investing.
Theragun Relief
Score: 75/100
If you’ve been lusting after a Theragun but the price has put you off, you’ll be delighted to know the premium brand has launched its most affordable model yet. At £125, the Relief is cheaper than the Mini 2, yet still brimming with impressive features.
It scored top marks for its attractive, lightweight design – according to our tester, they were able to pummel their muscles for lengthy periods, without their arms aching. Thanks to the ergonomic triangular handle, it was also a cinch to reach tricky areas like the lower back and shoulders. There are three interchangeable heads (a standard ball, thumb and dampener) and three speed settings, which should be sufficient for most.
While the Pro Plus above packs an almighty punch, this petite device is ideal for those who prefer a gentler massaging experience. It’s also super quiet, so you can happily watch TV and massage at the same time. We’re sold.
Air 2 Mini Massage Gun
Score: 75/100
If you’re tempted by the Theragun Mini 2 above but can’t justify the spend, this Bob & Brad design is an excellent alternative.
Our expert was blown away by how powerful it was given its pocket-friendly size. They rated the ergonomic design, which was easy to grip, and loved how lightweight it was – there's no risk of aching arms with this featherweight model. It was exceptionally quiet, so you can massage discreetly in the gym, on the sofa or even at your desk, and the single control button means you’ll get to grips with it in no time.
It comes with five attachments (two more than the Theragun Mini 2), so you’re bound to find one to soothe your specific aches and pains, and our tester said each one moved smoothly over their muscles, with minimal catching or juddering.
There’s a decent three-hour battery life and a quick-charge feature if you’re in a hurry – plus, it turns off automatically after 10 minutes to prevent overheating and preserve its charge. It also comes with a travel pouch so it’s ideal for popping in your bag. Tick, tick, tick.
Lucky 7 Massager
Score: 70/100
Like our winning HoMedics massager, this shiny new model from Breo boasts heating functionality, warming up to 45C in a matter of seconds – simply double press the power button twice to active the heat and turn it off again.
Unlike the larger devices in this round-up, this one is lightweight and easy to grip during lengthy massage sessions thanks to the ergonomic seven-shape design. It’s also easy to use, with one simple button to cycle through the three different speed settings. There are three attachments – a ball for for large muscle groups, a multipoint head for the back and waist, and a magnetic bead head to target trigger points and joints. It comes with a neat travel case if you want to take it with you on the go and automatically switches off after 10 minutes for safety.
Note, our tester said the heat setting wasn’t particularly strong, and they found swapping the attachments a touch tricky. They would have also appreciated more guidance on how to use the device.
Is it okay to use a massage gun every day?
Massage guns can be used in any way that is beneficial to your lifestyle, but the experts at Pulseroll recommend using yours no more than two or three times a day for a couple of minutes at a time.
Take it out pre- or post-workout, or even during exercise by incorporating it into your warm-up routine. To promote blood flow, simply focus on each muscle group for between 15 and 30 seconds.
Feeling tight during a gym session? Pause for a short massage to help force lactic acid and toxins out of your muscles. Once you’ve completed your workout, use the massage gun more intensely by spending up to two minutes working on each muscle group to release any tension and prevent soreness.
Are massage guns worth it?
Put simply, yes. There are numerous benefits to using a massage gun, from easing muscle pain after exercise to improving mobility and aiding relaxation. Read our full expert-led guide on the benefits of massage guns.
Can you use a massage gun on your neck?
The neck is an extremely sensitive part of the body, so it's crucial to exercise caution when using a massage gun on this area. According to Muscle Guns, you should avoid massaging the front of your neck and throat, as it's home to your carotid arteries, which carry blood to your brain.
You can use a massage gun the area around the back of your neck, but again, be extremely careful. Avoid massaging the neck or spine directly, instead focusing on the upper back and shoulders. Remember to be extremely gentle, using the soft ball head and a low speed setting.
Do massage guns work for knots?
Yes, the best massage guns can be extremely effective at loosening knots, officially known as myofascial trigger points. They work by applying direct pressure to these trigger points and providing a deep tissue massage.
Of course, individual needs vary and it's important to consult a healthcare professional if you're experiencing persistent pain or discomfort.
How to reset a massage gun
If you find your massage gun isn't working, double check it is charged, and if your device has a safety lock, make sure that is switched off. If it still isn't working, it may need resetting.
Consult the user manual that came with your model or look for instructions online. If you're unable to find any information, it's worth contacting the brand to request help.
Final verdict on massage guns
For a top-quality massage gun, without a premium price tag, our Bob & Brad runner-up is an excellent choice. If you're an avid exerciser looking for something more advanced, the Theragun Pro Plus will help you achieve peak recovery.
The Theragun Mini 2 or Lola Massage Gun are worthwhile buys if you want something travel-friendly, and for keen runners, the Hyperice Vyper 3 is ideal for relieving post-run aches and pains.
At less than £50, look to the Boots Massage Gun for a purse-friendly entry level model.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
Kim Hawley is the health and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing for a range of health and wellness products, including massage guns. She has over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification, a nutrition qualification and years of experience working in leading health clubs across the UK.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market, from suitcases to weighted blankets. Every product is assessed against a strict set of protocols devised by the Good Housekeeping Institute team. Following a thorough assessment by one of our experts, each product is awarded a final score.
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