Reviews You Can Rely On

The 4 Best Muscle Massage Guns of 2024

We tested muscle massage guns from Theragun, Medcursor, Hyperice, TimTam, and more
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Best Muscle Massage Gun of 2024
We put each unit to task in a series of rigorous tests designed to illuminate weaknesses and performance deficiencies - all so we can point you to the very best muscle massage guns out there!
Credit: Rob Woodworth
By Jessica Haist, Buck Yedor & Rob Woodworth  ⋅  Nov 30, 2023

We spent over 30 hours researching more than 60 different models of handheld massage devices. We then purchased nine of the top sellers on the market today for a comprehensive side-by-side analysis to see which would prove the best muscle massage guns among them. We chose not only leading brands that you'd recognize by name alone but also more economical units that came advertised with promising user reports. Each selection was tested by a team of reviewers with differing body types, workout routines, and muscle recovery preferences, and all models were rated for power performance, sound, functionality, and overall user experience. We applied each massager across varied muscle groups, conducted a thorough ergonomic examination, and considered various functional elements like design features, control settings, and product accessories.

There are many manual self-massage tools out there to choose from, no matter which body part ails you or what workout you're recovering from. We've tested all types including the best foot massagers, massage balls, muscle rollers, and foam rollers to ensure you have all the information you'll need to find the best home healing device for your needs. We've also outlined our favorite heating pads to help you address soreness at home.

Editor's Note: Our muscle massage gun review was updated on November 30, 2023, to remove the Hyperice Hypervolt and include two new models in the lineup, the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro and Toloco Pro, as well as to improve the clarity in our comparisons.

Top 9 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 9
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Awards Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award  
Price $600 List
$299.00 at Amazon
$399 List
$346.95 at Amazon
$329 List
$329.00 at Amazon
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$59.99 at Amazon
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Pros High quality construction, powerful strokes, numerous attachments and speeds, Bluetooth compatible, comes with two external rechargeable batteriesMultiple speeds with deep percussions, comfortable grip, numerous foam tips, wireless charging and Bluetooth enabled, sturdy buildPowerful stall force, user-friendly app, ergonomic handle, well-madeCompact portable design, quiet, excellent price, various massage tipsRobust construction, powerful motor, preset programs, heated massage tip
Cons Expensive, large, loud, heavyPricey, loud, battery cannot be swapped outCostly, a bit heavy and noisy, no carrying casePower performance, can't remove battery, lacks varied grip positionsLoud, costly, battery life
Bottom Line Top-of-the-line performance with upgraded features for athletes, trainers, and anyone who takes their training seriously but with a price tag to matchThis is a high-quality massage gun with excellent power and plenty of features, perfect for everyday athletes or anyone needing serious muscular reliefA powerful, versatile handheld massager with numerous valuable features at a slightly lower price point than the other top performers in the lineupThis affordable model is lightweight, compact, and quiet, making it ideal for travelA beefy unit with an adjustable arm and an ergonomic grip that delivers effective power and infused heat to promote quick muscular recovery
Rating Categories Theragun Pro Theragun Elite Hyperice Hypervolt... Medcursor Precision TimTam PowerMassage...
Power (25%)
10.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
9.0
Ergonomics & Design (25%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Sound (20%)
6.0
6.0
7.0
9.0
6.0
Features & Attachments (15%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Battery Life & Charging (15%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Specs Theragun Pro Theragun Elite Hyperice Hypervolt... Medcursor Precision TimTam PowerMassage...
Battery Type Two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries One rechargeable lithium-ion battery One rechargeable lithium-ion battery One rechargeable lithium-ion battery One rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Max PPM/Stroke 2400 PPMs 2400 PPMs 2700 PPMs 3200 PPMs 2800 PPMs
Massage Style Percussion Percussion Percussion Percussion Percussion


Best Overall Muscle Massage Gun


Theragun Elite


79
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Power 9.0
  • Ergonomics & Design 8.0
  • Sound 6.0
  • Features & Attachments 8.0
  • Battery Life & Charging 8.0
Amplitude: 16 mm | Run Time: 2 hours per charge
REASONS TO BUY
Ergonomic grip
Powerful motor with deep percussions
Multiple speeds & five massage heads
Wireless charging enabled
Bluetooth-compatible
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Loud
Internal rechargeable battery

While the Theragun Elite may not have every single bell and whistle possible, it still proved to be one of the highest-performing handheld massagers we tested, and it comes with everything most users will ever need to achieve impressive results. The Elite offers deep percussive power - up to a max pressure of 40 pounds — at a 16-millimeter amplitude that can unlock even the most stubborn knots. The motor can be set to five speeds across five different foam massage head attachments to customize your muscle recovery experience. Its patented Theragun Triangle ergonomic handle allows you to hold the device comfortably, no matter which part of the body you are working on, without straining the operating arm, wrist, or hand. It is also Bluetooth-compatible, meaning you can pair it with an app to run through various pre-set massage or warm-up routines. There's also the option to upgrade your kit with a wireless charging stand (sold separately) to ensure your device is always powered up and ready to go.

While not the most expensive massager in our lineup, the Theragun Elite is still quite spendy. This may place it beyond the budget of some shoppers regardless of its undeniable quality. Also, it was among the loudest models we tested. While it is unsurprising that such a powerful machine would be noisy, the results are worth considering. We found the high decibel count didn't matter so much to the person using the device, but we recognize the noise could prove obnoxious to bystanders and could become a limitation on when and where you choose to put the tool to use. It is worth noting that the newest model, the 4th Generation Theragun Elite, claims to be 75% quieter than older versions of the same massager. So, shoppers may find the manufacturer has already addressed such complaints satisfactorily (although we have yet to verify the change independently). Either way, if you want to invest in a premium deep-tissue handheld massager and you can tolerate a bit of percussive sound, you won't be disappointed with the therapeutic results of the high-quality Elite. For a professional upgrade with even more power and flexibility, have a look at the Theragun PRO, which offers a few extra perks to maximize its versatility and effectiveness.

Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best Higher End Model


Theragun Pro


85
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Power 10.0
  • Ergonomics & Design 9.0
  • Sound 6.0
  • Features & Attachments 9.0
  • Battery Life & Charging 8.0
Amplitude: 16 mm | Run Time: 5 hours (2.5 hours per battery)
REASONS TO BUY
Two external rechargeable batteries
Multiple handle grips and piston angles
Six attachable massage heads
Bluetooth integration
Carrying case
REASONS TO AVOID
Most expensive in lineup
Not as quiet as others
A bit heavy

The Theragun Pro is a top-tier model boasting power and versatility beyond the scope of most competition. It is marketed for "professional grade" percussive therapy, providing an upgraded combination of design features that appeal to amateurs, pros, and trainers alike. Similar in many ways to the Elite but built with a larger commercial-grade motor that can deliver up to 60 pounds of "no-stall force," the Pro is the only model that received a perfect mark in our power metric. Even at lower speeds, its percussive performance was beyond compare. To match this expanded strength, the Pro also has an upgraded ergonomic handle with a piston arm that can be set to four unique positions. This flexibility creates new angles that can reach nearly any area of the body without causing pain in the arm, wrist, or hand operating the massage gun. To top things off, an additional closed-cell foam massage tip is included with the Pro (for a total of six attachments), and the device is Bluetooth-compatible with the Therabody app, which provides complimentary programs, presets, and tutorials. Finally, the Pro kit includes a carrying case plus two external batteries with a charger, so it'll be ready to pack up and roll whenever you need it. If kept fully charged, the batteries can provide up to five hours of consecutive runtime. This makes the Pro an excellent choice for professional therapists, sports teams, or anyone demanding consistent use without time to charge up in between. Overall, this model is a powerhouse of percussive performance, ready to tackle your most advanced therapeutic needs.

While the Theragun Pro did produce some noise during testing, we found the hum generated by its high-power QX150 motor wasn't so obnoxious or intolerable as to impede its use. The sound proved similarly intrusive to what we experienced with the Elite and was easily ignored if you were using the tool in private spaces. Yet, in public settings, that volume could make you a bit more thoughtful about the speeds you run or the location you settle into for use. So, your noise tolerance must be a consideration. But, once again, the new 4th Generation model is advertised to be 55% quieter than earlier iterations of the same device, which means it is possible recent updates have resolved the higher decibel experience we encountered during testing. Until we verify those claims, we suggest you test drive the 4th Gen to make sure it suits your specific volume needs before committing. Also, the Theragun Pro is substantially pricier than all other handheld massagers in our test suite. If you don't need an absolutely top-tier muscle massage gun, other less expensive options, including the similarly high-performing Theragun Elite, are likely to fit the bill just fine.

The Theragun Pro is a powerful percussive massager that pack a soothing punch.
Credit: Jess Haist

Best Bang for the Buck


Medcursor Precision


72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Power 6.0
  • Ergonomics & Design 7.0
  • Sound 9.0
  • Features & Attachments 6.0
  • Battery Life & Charging 8.0
Amplitude: 11 mm | Run Time: 4-8 hours per charge
REASONS TO BUY
Small, lightweight design
Affordable
Extremely quiet
Six massage tips
Portable case
REASONS TO AVOID
Less powerful than others
Battery does not detach
Fewer grip positions

Sporting a compact frame and weighing well under two pounds, the Medcursor Precision is a fantastic choice for those seeking a highly functional, reasonably priced on-the-go massager. The lightweight device tucks away easily in a gym bag or backpack, and its ultra-quiet brushless motor produces the lowest decibel reading we saw of any massage gun in testing, making it a perfect choice to carry and use in shared spaces. Even at its highest speed, the motor produces no more noise than a small fan, so there's little risk of drawing attention to yourself in a crowd. And due to its simple one-button design, there is minimal guesswork when it comes to operating and moving between the five available speeds. Simply long press to start the massager up or shut it down, and short press the same button in between to shift gears while in use. The Medcursor comes with six interchangeable massage heads and a convenient carrying case, plus a long-lasting rechargeable battery enhanced by a 10-minute/60-second "Intelligent Timer" that helps to prevent overuse in a single recovery session and preserves power when the massager is not in use.

While its small motor is quiet and the basic handheld design intuitive, there is a tradeoff: the Medcursor Precision lacks the deep tissue percussive power and ergonomic versatility of larger devices in the lineup. In fact, the massager's low-amplitude strokes deliver more of a vibration effect than percussion, reducing the range of therapeutic results it can provide after a heavy workout. However, our testers feel this model is still totally capable of delivering relief from everyday tight muscles and sore knots and will make an excellent choice for some lighter-intensity users. We also noticed that we could sustain longer run times on a single charge than we saw on other models (likely due to its smaller motor). For a lightweight, packable muscle massage gun at an approachable price, look no further than the Medcursor Precision. Or, if you have the budget to upgrade to a heftier tool, check out the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro for expanded versatility and impressive performance.

Credit: Natalie Kafader

Another Powerhouse Option


Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro


75
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Power 8.0
  • Ergonomics & Design 8.0
  • Sound 7.0
  • Features & Attachments 7.0
  • Battery Life & Charging 7.0
Amplitude: 14 mm | Run Time: 3 hours per charge
REASONS TO BUY
High-quality components
Impressive stall force rating
Ergonomic design
User-friendly app
REASONS TO AVOID
No carrying case
Expensive

The Hypervolt 2 Pro is one of the most recognizable gun-style massagers on the market and the most powerful model now offered by Hyperice, a company synonymous with such therapeutic technologies. Since it was first introduced in 2011, the classic handheld design has been a favorite among athletes and trainers looking to boost athletic performance and enhance recovery. With the Hypervolt 2 Pro - their most powerful massager yet — users will find a professional-grade, five-speed, mid-amplitude percussion device prepared to offer impressive strokes with considerable stall force. A digital speed dial on the back allows you to quickly cycle through five speeds, while five detachable heads enable you to select the massage option that's right for you. You can also use Bluetooth to connect to the Hyperice App to take advantage of guided routines from top athletes, including automatic speed adjustments to match. Or, pair it with Apple Health or Strava. This is a high-end tool well-equipped to provide deep-penetrating relief to stiff, sore muscles with all the accessories and extra features you'll need to tailor that experience. And while a three-hour battery life is sure to carry you far, the detachable battery is a particularly nice touch for those who may want to swap out for a spare (sold separately) whenever it's time to recharge.

The powerful massaging percussions of the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro performed admirably well in testing alongside the other powerful options in our lineup. Yet, even though it features an impressive 90-watt high-torque brushless motor, the noise it produced during decibel testing hovered only in the mid-range. So, it's a solid choice if you want deep-tissue healing results without creating excessive noise in public spaces. We do wish it came standard with a carrying case large enough to hold the entire kit - gun, five attachments, and charging cables — rather than just the small pouch it provides for stashing head tips alone. Instead, you'll find such a case available for purchase on the Hyperice website, along with a variety of other accessories, including extra rechargeable batteries. This powerful, versatile handheld massager is a worthwhile option for anyone, amateur or pro, who wants a reliable tool to work out knots and sore spots. Alternatively, check out the Elite by Theragun, which was among our most impressive performers across nearly all metrics and comes with a patented triangle-shaped handle for superior ergonomic comfort.

The Hyperice Hypervolt's flat massage head feels great on the quads after a run.
Credit: Jess Haist

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
85
Theragun Pro
Best Higher End Model
$600
Editors' Choice Award
79
Theragun Elite
Best Overall Muscle Massage Gun
$399
Editors' Choice Award
75
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
Another Powerhouse Option
$329
Top Pick Award
72
Medcursor Precision
Best Bang for the Buck
$80
Best Buy Award
72
TimTam PowerMassager PRO
$400
71
Lifepro Sonic Handheld
$80
68
Toloco Pro
$90
67
Theragun Mini
$199
66
Renpho Powerful Portable
$90

muscle massage gun - the lifepro sonic, timtam powermassager pro, and two theragun...
The LifePro Sonic, TimTam Powermassager PRO, and two Theragun options all incorporate variable-angle designs and multiple grips to create more comfortable positions for operating them.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

Why You Should Trust Us


Following research on more than 60 massage guns of varying styles, we narrowed the field to nine of the best-selling models on the market today. Each device in our lineup is considered a "percussion massager" which means it is designed to deliver concentrated pressure deep into muscles and connective tissue. However, there are several design variations that can affect the user experience in particular ways. That said, all of the massagers chosen for this review were subjected to the same rigorous testing to ensure an objective comparative review.

Our muscle massage gun testing is divided into five rating metrics:
  • Power (25% of overall score weighting)
  • Ergonomics & Design (25% weighting)
  • Sound (20% weighting)
  • Features & Attachments (15% weighting)
  • Battery Life & Charging (15% weighting)

Our primary tester, Rob Woodworth, is a level 300 certified Development Coach and Alpine Official who spent years serving as the head coach of an elite youth alpine racing team during which time he developed a nuanced understanding of the importance of muscle activation and recovery. When he's not on skis or in the performance center with his athletes, he can be found biking, climbing, kayaking, or wakesurfing. In his ripening age, he finds tools like muscle massage guns extremely helpful in expediting the recovery of sore muscles and reducing injury through preventative maintenance.

Rob is joined by two other accomplished outdoor adventurers and highly trained researchers. First, long-time professional rock climbing route setter Buck Yedor, who refined his skills in developing and executing data-centered experiments while studying environmental science and city planning at U.C. Santa Barbara. And finally, life-long wilderness guide and explorer Jessica Haist, who honed her objective evaluation chops at Prescott College while earning a Master's Degree in Adventure Education.

Keeping their bodies in tip-top shape for work and play has always been of the utmost importance to each member of our testing team, and muscle massage guns now play an integral part in their self-care routines. Besides preparing for or recovering from their athletic and physical endeavors, the team also examined the performance and functionality of each device in various everyday scenarios to replicate at-home or on-the-go use.

muscle massage gun - the hypervolt hyperice pro 2 has many attachment heads to work out...
The Hypervolt Hyperice Pro 2 has many attachment heads to work out the kinks, even for working moms.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Types of Muscle Massage Guns


There are two primary types of massage guns: vibration massagers and percussion massagers. To quickly summarize the differences, percussion massagers deliver impactful, focused percussive strokes that penetrate deeper into muscle tissues as compared to vibration massagers, which are more superficial in their delivery. All of the handheld massage devices included in our review are percussion massagers.

Percussion-style muscle massage guns hammer down on the surface of your body, sending pounding pulses into the depths of your soft tissue. This type of massage is ideal for recovery after an intense workout because deeper muscle penetration allows for increased blood flow to the targeted areas, promoting myofascial release and increased distribution of micronutrients, which are important for healing the body.

A gun-style percussive massager allows you to get deep into the...
A gun-style percussive massager allows you to get deep into the tissue to maximize the release and quicken your recovery after a hard workout.
While on a mission to find the very best muscle massage guns out...
While on a mission to find the very best muscle massage guns out there, we ran each model in our lineup through every available operating speed in addition to testing for stall force &#40;i.e., the amount of pressure force each unit could deliver before losing power and "stalling out"&#41; to gauge power.
We tested each attachment head and worked across varying muscle...
We tested each attachment head and worked across varying muscle groups to assess a massager's effectiveness in providing the promised relief.
We run every handheld muscle massager through rigorous testing based on typical use in home, gym, and outdoor or group athletic scenarios.

Analysis and Test Results


We subjected each muscle massage gun to a laundry list of tests designed to find their strengths, weaknesses, and best applications in use. We ran contenders through the entire range of their operating speeds and subjected each to stall force tests that would measure the amount of force the unit could deliver before losing power and "stalling out." To examine versatility, we put all of the various attachments included with each model to use, taking care to test each one on varied muscle groups for comparison. Additionally, we performed more exacting tests, including using a decibel meter to measure the volume of each device when in use, as well as a voltmeter to assess each one's charging performance.


Value


Muscle massage guns run the gamut when it comes to cost. With "budget" options starting around $80 and premium models costing close to $600, we wanted to know if more expensive options produce better results or if one can get reliable, high-quality recovery assistance at an affordable price.

The Medcurson, unlike other inexpensive massage guns, still delivers powerful performance.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Our test results were clear: the most expensive muscle massage gun in our lineup, the Theragun Pro, produces exceptional therapeutic results and scored significantly higher than all other models in nearly all metrics. The only time it struggled was during our test for sound. If noise is a top concern, you'll want to look elsewhere. But, if you're a serious athlete looking for intense relief and you're not constrained by volume, the high cost of this top performer could be easily justifiable. Theragun's similarly impressive Elite model is another premium option for anyone willing to compromise on a few design upgrades for a significant drop in price.

muscle massage gun - among the lightest and most portable options we tested, the...
Among the lightest and most portable options we tested, the Medcursor Precision massager is an excellent option for relief on the go.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

On the other side of the scale, our testing also proved it is possible to pick up a high-performing handheld massager at a budget price. We particularly liked the compact, point-and-shoot design of the Medcursor Precision, which delivered reasonably well across most metrics for a significantly lower cost. If you can accept a minor reduction in performance quality and overall utility (as compared to top-tier products in the category), we think it's an excellent value. Some users will also really appreciate its portability.

Power


In this metric, we examined the force each massage gun could generate while in various modes of operation. It is common for manufacturers to list each model's percussions per minute (PPM) or motor speed; rarely will they mention the actual force or power generated by each stroke.


Since PPM is a somewhat arbitrary measurement of speed, we chose to dig deeper by examining stall force — a performance concept unique to percussive therapy tools. Stall force measures how much pressure a muscle massage gun can withstand before the motor loses power or stalls completely. Since not every manufacturer has a marketing claim for stall force, we rated it on a scale of 1-10, with 1 requiring very little pressure to stall the unit and 10 requiring a great deal of pressure to stall. In addition to stall force, we also examined amplitude — a measurement of how far the massage attachment travels during each percussion.

The Theragun Elite had no shortage of power.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The Theragun Pro received the highest power rating out of the whole lineup; it was the clear winner of this category. With 16 millimeters of amplitude and a stall force rating of 10, this model delivers an extremely powerful percussive blast that is felt deep in the muscle tissue—even at its lowest speed setting. Also boasting a good degree of amplitude is the TimTam PowerMassager PRO, though it didn't have quite as high of a stall force rating. Both models are ideal for those seeking intense therapeutic percussions with powerful motors and a good deal of travel in each stroke.

muscle massage gun - though it&#039;s a bit loud and bulky, there is no doubt that the timtam...
Though it's a bit loud and bulky, there is no doubt that the TimTam PowerMassager Pro delivers a forceful percussion.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

The quiet, brushless 90-watt motor of the Hypervolt 2 Pro received respectable stall force ratings in testing. But, its amplitude just can't compare to what was generated by either of the Theragun options. With slightly shallower strokes at increased speeds, it feels just a bit less percussive and more vibrational overall, even if it will get the job done admirably for most users.

muscle massage gun - the hypervolt hyperice pro 2 has many great preset routines set up...
The Hypervolt Hyperice Pro 2 has many great preset routines set up in its app to help users maximize all its features.
Credit: Jess Haist

Less powerful, yet still respectably effective for its size, is the highly portable Medcursor Precision. If you aren't looking to work extra deep into big muscle groups and prefer to save in cost where you can, you will be happy with this choice. Comparatively, one of the lowest stall forces we came across in our lineup was produced by the Toloco Pro, a gun-style massager we think would make a better choice for someone exploring light-intensity recovery options.

muscle massage gun - the toloco pro has a slightly strange dial that isn&#039;t as intuitive...
The Toloco Pro has a slightly strange dial that isn't as intuitive as some of the others.
Credit: Jess Haist

Ergonomics & Design


We found the ergonomics of these handheld devices can be just as important as their power output. An unwieldy massage gun that isn't comfortable or sturdy to operate is not very useful, no matter how powerful it is. We assessed design elements such as grip(s), adjustability, control options and placements, and overall durability to help us identify which models are comfortable to hold, reliably easy to set up, and intuitive to control when put into use.


The Theragun Pro landed in the top spot with its numerous rubberized grips and four-piston angles that provide an arsenal of different massaging positions. It's easy to reach virtually any sore spot on one's own body with this massager. The lower-priced Theragun Elite skipped the upgraded piston arm and instead offers just the patented ergonomic triangle handle with multiple rubberized grips for a comfortable hold.

The Theragun Pro has 4 different easily adjustble piston angles.
Credit: Jess Haist

The TimTam PowerMassager PRO is another versatile closed-hold option, with substantial rubberized grips and a 175-degree rotational head to assist in targeting all parts of the body. Its handle is a bit smaller and stockier than what you find on the Theraguns, making the fit a bit less comfortable in varied hand sizes, but otherwise, you are well-equipped to reach many angles.

muscle massage gun - the timtam powermassager pro &amp;#40;right&amp;#41; is heavier and bulkier...
The TimTam PowerMassager PRO (right) is heavier and bulkier than most of the other models tested, although we appreciate its multiple grips and variable piston angles.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

The rest of the lineup more or less features a single fixed-angle, gun-style design with a handle that incorporates a primary grip around the battery portion of the unit. Of this variety, we found the Hyperice Hypervolt Pro 2 to have the most comfortable in-hand design and best overall user experience, although it's perhaps a bit heavy for smaller folks to wield.

muscle massage gun - topping our list of best muscle massage guns, the theragun pro...
Topping our list of best muscle massage guns, the Theragun Pro (left) is built with a patented triangular ergonomic handle and a moveable piston arm. In contrast, the Hypervolt Hyperice Pro 2 and Toloco Pro are more traditionally shaped in a classic massage gun style.
Credit: Jess Haist

The Medcursor Precision received good marks as well because of its slender, lightweight design that makes it easy to pick up and operate. The compact Renpho Powerful Portable is also lightweight and comfortable in hand for average use.

muscle massage gun - the renpho powerful portable comes in a nice compact size making it...
The Renpho Powerful Portable comes in a nice compact size making it perfect for throwing in your gym bag or backpack.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Sound


Massages are supposed to be relaxing, yet the loud buzz of an electric motor and the rattling plastic of a massage gun are anything but. We examined the relative volume of each unit and the overall noise each massage gun produces while in use at various speeds and pressures. We also verified or disproved manufacturers' claims of quietness by using a digital decibel meter.


The least-loud muscle massage gun we tested was the Medcursor Precision, which is perhaps not surprising because it also has the smallest motor of the bunch. At its lowest speed, the handheld device registered 51.5 decibels and sounded similar to an electric toothbrush.

muscle massage gun - with the smallest motor of all the models we tested, it is...
With the smallest motor of all the models we tested, it is unsurprising that the Medcursor Precision also had the lowest dBa rating.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

Those with much more powerful motors, like the Theragun PRO and TimTam PowerMassager PRO, registered higher on the decibel meter than less powerful models. However, their solid construction ensures there are no menacing noises from intense vibrations - just a smooth, humming sound that won't cause distress during use. The Hyperice Hypervolt Pro 2 was reasonably low volume yet still quite powerful, clocking in 66.9 decibels at its lowest speed setting.

muscle massage gun - the hypervolt was silent enough to be almost totally subdued by...
The Hypervolt was silent enough to be almost totally subdued by sound-cancelling headphones.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

Features & Attachments


It is typical for a percussive muscle massage gun to have several different tips, attachments, or accessories to achieve various therapeutic effects and target specific muscle groups.


Furthermore, some models incorporate a variety of settings or presets that allow for a customizable experience. We tested each massage gun and used every available tip, attachment, and accessory to see which we liked best. We also played around with the various Bluetooth options, modes, and settings wherever available.

muscle massage gun - the theragun pro comes with six attachable massage heads, a carrying...
The Theragun Pro comes with six attachable massage heads, a carrying case for them, and an extra rechargeable battery, so you are never left empty-handed.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

Yet again, there is no denying that the Theragun Pro outperforms all other massagers when it comes to accessories and features. With six different attachable foam tips, an extra battery, and customizable programs and presets accessible by Bluetooth, the Theragun Pro proves itself to be a versatile wunderkind. The Theragun Elite comes in a close second, with five attachable heads for targeting different areas and access to the same valuable Bluetooth features.

muscle massage gun - the hypervolt hyperice pro 2 comes with five different massage heads...
The Hypervolt Hyperice Pro 2 comes with five different massage heads plus a small carrying pouch to store them.
Credit: Jess Haist

The Hyperice Hypervolt Pro 2 offers something similar, including multiple head attachments and the option to connect with Hyperice's own recovery and training App to help you make the most of your tool.

muscle massage gun - the heavy-duty construction of the timtam powermassager pro came...
The heavy-duty construction of the TimTam Powermassager PRO came standard with threaded massage tips, including a heat infusion tip meant to enhance muscle recovery when combined with percussive treatment.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

The TimTam PRO includes a number of useful settings, features, and attachments to broaden the tool's restorative powers. Most unique among them is its heated tip, which easily threads onto the arm of the massager and then heats up quickly to provide an intensified muscular release in combination with powerful percussive strokes. Use this feature in conjunction with the skin temperature sensor and five different presets that come programmed into the massager for optimal recovery results.

muscle massage gun - the lifepro sonic handheld is affordable and comes with a ton of...
The Lifepro Sonic Handheld is affordable and comes with a ton of accessories.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Although the off-brand, low-priced Lifepro Sonic Handheld did not earn top marks in any one metric, it performed satisfactorily across the board, delivering reasonably powerful percussion with a notably quiet motor. It also comes with a useful collection of eight attachable massage gun heads and a handy carrying case to store the entire kit.

muscle massage gun - the toloco pro has an included carrying case with many different...
The Toloco Pro has an included carrying case with many different massage heads.
Credit: Jess Haist

Two other budget models by similarly unknown brands, the Toloco Pro and the Renpho Powerful Portable, have a comparable look and feel to the Lifepro Sonic and also come standard with a full kit, including attachment heads and a carrier. However, they underperformed compared to others during testing and left us looking back at the Sonic or the highly portable Medcursor Precision as the better buys for similar kits.

muscle massage gun - the theragun mini gives you similar performance to its larger...
The Theragun Mini gives you similar performance to its larger siblings but fits in the palm of your hand.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Unsurprisingly, the least versatile massager in the bunch was the Theragun Mini. This tiny, travel-ready massager is intentionally stripped down to keep things simple, effective, and ultra-portable. With just one head attachment and three speeds, you can enjoy a reasonably powerful percussive post-workout massage even when far from home. Just don't expect the same customized, deep tissue results larger, more powerful options might provide.

Battery Life & Charging


All the massage guns chosen for this review feature some variety of lithium-ion (LI) batteries. This configuration allows for lighter construction, less discharge, and quicker charging times.


Not every battery is created equal, as each will have power limitations depending on motor draw and storage capacity. We assessed for these variabilities in testing. We also considered the potential operating time for each device and measured how easy it was to juice each unit when depleted.

muscle massage gun - getting wrapped up in constantly charging your device will...
Getting wrapped up in constantly charging your device will ultimately reduce the time you spend using it. On our hunt for the best muscle massage gun out there, we found we most liked models that had extra batteries and quick charge times.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

Despite bold claims from some of the competition, our testing showed that the Theragun Pro offers the longest continuous run time. With two removable LI batteries that last about two hours each and an included charging stand, you can run the unit perpetually so long as you have access to an AC wall outlet. The Medcursor Precision has a very comparable run time but does not offer the option to swap out batteries for continuous use. So you will have to build in time for recharging.

muscle massage gun - charging stands, like those included with the timtam and theragun...
Charging stands, like those included with the TimTam and Theragun, allow you to recharge one battery while another is in use.
Credit: Rob Woodworth

Though it is sold with a single removable battery that only lasts around an hour, the TimTam PowerMassager PRO also comes with an AC charging stand and makes extra batteries available for purchase if you decide you want to have backup options on hand to swap out. The Hyperice Hypervolt Pro 2 is set up very similarly, with a detachable battery that can be replaced by another, assuming you want to purchase a second as a spare to supply continuous power.

muscle massage gun - while the best muscle massage guns out there look similar in...
While the best muscle massage guns out there look similar in appearance, the ones we like most all bring something unique to the lineup - be it design, features, or performance.
Credit: Buck Yedor

Conclusion


After researching the best-selling muscle massage guns on the market, we selected nine unique products to purchase and put to the test. Whether you spend too much time at your desk or are sore from a long run, a muscle massage gun can go a long way toward helping you recover. With more and more companies offering massage guns, it can be confusing to figure out which ones work the best. We tested their power performance, sound, functionality, and overall user experience, so you don't have to. We hope our comprehensive results will help you find the right massage gun to enhance your workouts and improve your recoveries.

If you're interested in home exercise products, check out our write-ups on our favorite yoga mats, exercise resistance bands, and portable home gyms.

Jessica Haist, Buck Yedor & Rob Woodworth