Many athletes have discovered the benefits of massage arms this year. Professional athletes and physical therapists used to keep these exercise rehabilitation machines secret as a sports massage and stress reliever. Everyone from the novice runner to the occasional weightlifter is now using these methods. Massage weapons have sparked more curiosity than any other SPY device this year, so we've made it our responisbility to test, as well as, review as many as possible. We take great pride in delivering the best massage guns to our readers.
One brand currently dominates the massage gun market: Theragun. Many athletes have been searching for inexpensive Theragun alternatives due to the high price (Theragun massage weapons cost between $300 and $600).
Why are Theragun products so expensive? These small, gun-shaped devices are nothing like the handheld massagers you're used to. These awkward devices rarely provided actual relief from aches and pains, and they were more of a Brookstone novelty than a true massage tool. Theragun delivered a major upgrade to normal hand massagers with more precise, focused functionality. They comprise of a ball head that utilizes a rubbing motion to rapidly massage the muscles in what is known as percussive treatment (don't worry, it doesn't hurt). Massage guns are designed for athletic rehabilitation – loosening tight muscles, deconstructing lactic acid, treating chronic pain, relieving aches and pains, and so on – but they're also perfect for stress relief on the go.
Theragun recently rebranded as Therabody and launched a new range of high-end massage guns. Even the "simple" Theragun model, the Therabody Prime, outperforms the best massage guns in the competition. As a consequence, it's our top pick for the best massage guns this year. After the holidays, it's currently out of stock, but we expect it to restock soon. Meanwhile, have a look at some other favorite massage guns, some of which have been extensively checked for efficacy and consistency.
Theragun Prime : Best Massage Gun of 2021
- Deep Tissue Muscle Relief: Developed by best-in-class wellness...
- Personalized Wellness: With 4 attachments and 5 speeds, your device...
- Percussive Therapy: Ultra quiet with advanced sound insulation and...
- Ergonomic Comfort: Patented Theragun Triangle ergonomic handle allows...
- Industry Leader: Therabody's been innovating ways to take charge of...
The brushless motor in this "simplified" percussive therapy massager is quiet and lasts 2 hours on a complete charge. Preceeding Theragun goods had a lot of noise, but the Prime greatly decreases it. There are five speed settings on this massage gun, ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 beats per minute. It can also use Bluetooth to link to the new Therabody application. It is, however, much more pricey than the best massage guns on Amazon, at $300. (see top Theragun alternatives listed here)
The Best Theragun Alternatives
Although Therabody massage guns are efficient and high-quality tools, there is still the issue of cost.
The Theragun Prime will set you back $300, while the new Theragun Elite will cost you $400. The Theragun Pro costs $600 and includes two rechargeable batteries as well as an adjustable massage arm. That's awesome for professional athletes, but it's out of reach for the majority of people. Unfortunately, some of the better Theragun alternatives are actually more costly than the cheapest Theragun versions.
Massage guns from reputable brands are not inexpensive. As a result, we searched for low-cost Theragun alternatives, with some beginning at $90. However, not every low-cost massage gun available on Amazon is worthwhile. When a new device becomes popular, several low-cost knockoffs appear on the market to cash in on the trend. Hoverboards had the same problem a few years ago. As soon as hoverboards became a must-have product, drop shippers and offshore manufacturers flooded the market with knockoffs, some of which caught fire accidentally. Unfortunately, since the Theragun and other percussion massagers are so popular, there are a lot of fakes and look-alikes for sale among premium massage devices.
To assist you to make the right shopping decision, we tested many massage guns to see if they delivered what their product descriptions claim. After in-depth checking our favorite was actually the massage gun from Exerscribe, which came alongside another version in the list. Also the regular size addsfit massage gun and the Ekrin Athletics B37 massage gun are exceptional for sleek design and performance. Reviews are more mixed, but everyone enjoys the Vybe Percussion from Exerscribe.
If you're looking for or mentioning the top massage guns, you really need to check out the Exerscribe Vybe Pro, Hypervolt by Hyperice, Addsfit Massage Gun, and the Ekrin Athletics B37 Gun. Reviews together with detailed descriptions of all this massage guns are included in the summary below.
Theragun and Hypervolt are the brands to look for if you want to invest in the best massage guns. The lower you drop in price, the more quality you'll give up. If you're searching for the best massage guns and low-cost Theragun alternatives, keep reading for the most common choices.
1. Exerscribe Vybe Pro
BEST OVERALL & MOST POWERFUL
- RELIEVES MUSCLE SORENESS: This handheld massager is perfect to iron...
- ADJUSTABLE SPEED: With 9 different speed settings (3200 percussions...
- QUIET & COMPACT: If you are looking for a quiet body massager, look no...
- CONVENIENT TO CARRY: Our portable muscle massage gun charges quickly,...
- GREAT GIFT: The compact percussion massager will easily slip into most...
Exerscribe makes a number of massage guns, including the $150 Vybe V2 massage pistol, which we previously recommended. The brand's latest Vybe Pro, on the other hand, delivers an incredible 3,400 strokes per minute. Anything over 3,000, in our experience, causes pain for many users, particularly those with tighter muscles and bones, but it's a strong deep massager for those who want an intense deep massage. With up to nine speed settings and eight massage head attachments, this massager is extremely flexible. Exerscribe comes with a comfortable carrying case that houses all of the attachments, making it easy to transport for on-the-go physical therapy. This is another good choice if you're looking for the best massage gun under $200 with good customer feedback. The Vybe Pro is a fantastic mid-range choice for athletes, with a 4.7-star rating on Amazon.
2. Hypervolt from Hyperice
RUNNERS-UP
- Cordless state-of-the-art percussion massage device that helps relax...
- QUIET GLIDE TECHNOLOGY- whisper quiet percussion device
- 3 SPEED SETTINGS deliver up to 3200 percussions per minute
- UP TO 3 HOURS OF USE PER CHARGE- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- As featured in GQ, CNET, Runner’s World, Self, Men’s Health as the...
Although the Hypervolt massage gun (from Hyperice) is comparable to the cheapest Therabody massagers, some sports therapists prefer the Hypervolt and Hypervolt Plus Theragun versions. The Hypervolt is a little more expensive than the other choices, but it's worth it thanks to a super quiet motor, three speed settings that top out at 3,200 strokes per minute, and the best build quality (except for the Theragun). Hypervolt's build quality, strength, and brand reliability are well worth the extra money if you can afford it.
Fortunately for you, Hyperice has just launched the Hypervolt GO, a slightly smaller, compact version of their iconic massage pistol. It's 30% smaller than the original, but it's just as successful and feels great on sore muscles.
We'll keep this post updated when new inventory becomes available, but we advise our readers to be vigilant when shopping for this massager and to only purchase from reputable retailers. Many third-party vendors sell "Hypervolt" massagers on sites like eBay, but the validity of some of these items is doubtful.
3. Addsfit Deep Tissue Massage Gun
- 【On-the-go Massager】addsfit massage gun is ultra-lightweight at...
- 【Widespread Usage】Mini massage gun, 6 mm deep muscle treatment,...
- 【Full metal body】Different from other plastic materials small...
- 【Super Quiet & Powerful Motor】Mini massage gun is equipped with an...
- 【Long Battery Life & Auto-off】Mini massager built-in 2500mAh...
For the price, this is an efficient massage gun. It has a similar feel and appearance to a Hypervolt, but costs only half as much. It has nine different adjustable speeds that range from 1,700 to 3,300 percussions per minute, which is an impressive range for massaging muscles all over the body. During our research, we discovered that even the lowest intensity was successful in relieving muscle pain. It is also not too heavy, but still has enough weight to be powerful when used. The silicone massage heads are very well made and super easy to turn off. We also discovered that this gun is just much quieter than most theragun substitutes, and that it is actually quiet enough to use when watching TV. Finally, the addsfit massager, like all of the best massage arms, has a long battery life.
All in all, we are pleased and satisfied with the gun's nature and ease of use. It's well-built, strong, and adapts to your preferences with ease. It's a little big and bulky in size and style, but if you're looking for a massage gun to alleviate muscle pain, don't look for anything cheap.
4. Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
BEST BUDGET
- A DEEP AND POWERFUL MASSAGE: Rejuvenate sore tissue and aching...
- EASY TO USE: Our Ready, Set, Pro Easy-Start guide will have you up and...
- SUPER QUIET AND PORTABLE: The best massage gun for athletes take your...
- 5 LEVELS OF INTENSITY + 8 MASSAGE HEADS: Choose the speed that best...
- 100% SATISFACTION LIFETIME WARRANTY + Guiding Angels: Not everyone can...
Muscle relaxing doesn't have to be expensive. On Amazon, there are a mix of positive and negative reviews for this affordable massage gun from LifePro, with an overall positive ranking. It has majorly the same features as other popular massage guns, but at a much better price. The Sonic isn't as loud as other Theragun alternatives and has proven to be highly popular with SPIONAGE readers. The Sonic is one of our top picks for the best massage gun under $200, and it's been on the market since the beginning of the year, even as new products come out.
The Sonic percussion massager comes with a range of attachments and five speed settings. The Sonic, like the best massage arms, uses thousands of percussions per minute to produce a targeted and effective massage. This system has a stroke rate range of 1,200 to 2,800 per minute, which is slightly lower than the Hypervolt. It does, however, have a quiet motor, a secure grip, and a long battery life, much like the Hypervolt.
5. Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun
The original Sportneer Massage Gun was previously our top budget choice, but Sportneer recently launched the Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun, which is an improved version of this iconic massager. The company sent SPION this new gun to try, and we were once again impressed by the features of this low-cost massager. The brushless motor in the newly revised Sportneer massage gun is whisper quiet at 30dB-40dB, but it still provides up to 3,200 strokes per minute, that is more than enough power for a satisfactory deep massage. The massage heads should be of higher quality, as they are with most cheap massage guns, and there is no corresponding app or smart features.
Being a relatively new product, the Elite D9 doesn't have as many massage gun reviews as similar products. However, this massager has a lot of great features, especially given its low price. And unlike most budget - massage gun brands, Sportneer Massager is backed by reliable customer service that you can trust.
6. Theragun Mini
BEST FOR TRAVELLING
- Theragun Power, Packed into an Ultra-Portable Package: Now 20% smaller...
- Ergonomic Grip and 3 Foam Attachments: An easy-to-grip, compact and...
- Handheld Massager Designed for Travel: Fits into your workout gear,...
- Customizable Speed Ranges: 3 built-in muscle massager speeds, each...
- Workout Equipment for Personal Wellness: Connects via Bluetooth to the...
This mini massage gun from Theragun is not only smaller, it also has a much lower price than some of their other guns and can also provide relief, especially when targeting specific muscle groups. It's compact, powerful, and extremely maneuverable-so you can press it anywhere on your body where you need tension or pressure relief. It has a whisper-quiet motor, three speeds, and is compact enough to fit in any bag or pocket while you're out and about. It has a 150-minute battery life, and although it has less speed options than other weapons, it can exceed 2200 PPM, which is enough to work deep tissue thoroughly. If you're always on the go, this gun or one of the other mini massage weapons we've covered is a good option.
7. TimTam Massage Gun
BEST TO CUSTOMIZE
- TimTam Power Massager - Handheld Deep Tissue Massage Gun for Athletes...
TimTam, a sports brand, makes another great massage gun for under $300. It's a small step up from the other low-cost massage arms on this list. The massage head, like the Hypervolt (but not the Theragun), can be modified to a 90-degree angle to massage harder-to-reach areas of the body. This powerful massage gun also includes a carrying case, a lithium-ion charger, and a battery that can be replaced. This is an excellent theragun option for traveling athletes and sports therapists because the battery can be replaced (buy extra batteries directly from TimTam). This massager's ergonomic nature makes it easy to use and relieves sore muscles quickly.
8. Ekrin Athletics B37 Massage Gun
BEST DESIGN
- Professional-Grade Electric Massager: Equipped with a powerful level 3...
- Optimized Speed Range & 4 Attachments: Tailor your massage experience...
- Ultra Quiet Operation: Experience powerful deep tissue massages...
- Extended Battery Life: With a premium lithium-ion battery, the B37...
- Quality Materials & Warranty: Constructed with premium quality...
This massager has a sleek design that looks like it got rid of unnecessary bulk. It is very powerful without taking up too much space or being heavy to hold for long periods of time. You have at your disposal five different speeds to choose from. For beginners or those with quite sore muscles, the first stage is also very manageable, making it suitable for those who enjoy gentler massages. The weapon's most attractive attribute is its ergonomic handle, which helps you to access several different areas of your body. We wouldn't actually recommend this gun to older, technologically impaired users because the gun's features and buttons are less obvious than other versions we've reviewed.
The gun's head attachments often felt less high-end than those on cheaper weapons like the Addsfit. Having said that, we appreciate the range of choices available. It's also a pretty quiet gun, so you won't be disturbed by the noise when using it.
9. Trigger Point Impact Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
BEST TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE
- This item benefits from an Extended 90 Day Return Window
- 4-speed muscle massage gun delivers targeted pressure to help increase...
- An angled handle with a top-weighted design provides comfort and ease...
- Universal massage head is optimized for use on multiple muscle groups...
- A quiet, brushless 4-speed motor runs quietly and efficiently;...
Trigger point massage is a form of massage that uses focused pressure to relieve pain in a particular muscle, tendon, or sore spot. This massage gun, like trigger point foam rollers, is known for simulating this massage therapy at home. The TriggerPoint massage gun has four speeds of targeted therapy to boost blood flow, hydrate muscle tissue, and improve range of motion so you can easily train for and recover from workouts. The weapon's top-weighted construction and angled handle make it easier to grip and maximize its effectiveness. The brushless motor is silent and operates for more than two hours on a single charge.
It may not be the best massage gun for you if you want a long, intense massage. However, after using this massager, our testers had a lot of positive reviews. One liked the weighted design because it made it easier for him to dig into muscle groups and sore spots than other weapons. Another individual preferred the grip to other firearms. The plastic heads, on the other hand, felt more shallow and less like a deep massage to Spy editor Taylor Galla. The gun also lacks different heads and only has one option, restricting its massage capabilities in some ways.
10. Sonic LX Professional Percussion Massage Gun
BEST FOR PROS
- HEATED MASSAGE GUN FOR MAXIMUM RELIEF: The heated massage gun is an...
- FASTER RECOVERY: Give your muscles the relief they deserve. This...
- MYRIAD THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS: Fast & deep pain & stress relief right in...
- GO PRO & BOOST YOUR PERFORMANCE: Train harder, get stronger! Your...
- LONG-LASTING POWER ON THE GO: Don't let your healing stop! This...
Although the best massage weapons are suitable for athletes at all ages, this device was developed specifically for practitioners such as physical therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers, and it shows. Professionals have earned the Sonic LX high scores, with over 1,300 reviews awarding it a 4.8-star rating overall. With a 2,000 mAh motor and 12mm of amps, this massage gun is capable of delivering an intense deep tissue massage with ease. It is very quiet and has nine different pressure levels as well as seven different massage heads. It has a four-hour battery life and comes with a carrying case, making it highly compact.
11. Fusion FX Heated Percussion Massage
BEST HEATED MASSAGE
- HEATED MASSAGE FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF: Both heat and massage provide...
- HEATED MASSAGE FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF: Both heat and massage provide...
- ALLEVIATE CHRONIC PAIN & LONG TERM INJURIES: If you have chronic pain,...
- SHORTEN YOUR RECOVERY TIME: After an injury or workout, the body...
- 5 SPEEDS + 5 HEADS + 3 BONUS MODES: In addition to adjustable speeds...
This massage gun blends heat into the massage process, and users seem to like it. This gun combines the soothing powers of heat and massage to aid muscle regeneration and alleviate aching joints. It's important to remember that the heated connection on the gun isn't completely heated, as some might assume. According to a majority of gun reviews we've read, the heated attachment works well and adds to the gun's overall appeal.
The gun features five different intensity levels, five different heads to choose from, and three pre-programmed bonus modes that further enhance recovery. The three bonus modes are the heated option, different speeds, a continuous speed, or an increasing speed of massage reverb. The Massage gun also has a pause button so you can take a break from your session if you need to before you pick right up where you left off.
12. Vybe Percussion Massage Gun
BEST FOR RELAXATION
- Powerful: The muscle gun is built with 6 speeds ranging from 500 to...
- Professional: Perfect for athletes at every level of training, our...
- Premium Quality: Complete with a comfortable ergonomic handle and a...
- Personalized: With 3 interchangeable massage tips each targetting...
- Christmas Gift Grab: If you’re looking for a memorable Christmas...
This massage gun is quiet but strong, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Depending on the speed you select, the percussion vibration will range from 500 to 2,400 strokes per minute. The gun has six different speeds to choose from. This is less stressful than other choices, which is a good thing for older users or those who want a less intense experience. The gun comes with three different heads, including a small ball for smaller muscles, a large ball suited for larger muscles, and a cone shape for trigger point massage. It's small and lightweight, and the ergonomic square shape with the handle makes it quick to maneuver while massaging yourself or anyone else. Finally, the flexible arm makes massaging difficult-to-reach places easier.
How to Take Note of Fake Massage Guns, Goofs and Imitations when Shopping.
Many athletes are searching for massage gun bargains because many of the better theragun alternatives cost more than $300. Unfortunately, many shady off-shore producers and drop shippers have started selling massage arms as a result of the sudden popularity of percussion massagers. These businesses also use theragun and hypervolt branding to confuse consumers.
If you're not careful, you may think you've found a great deal on a high-quality massage gun only to discover you've bought a low-quality knockoff.
When shopping for massage weapons and Theragun alternatives, just purchase from reputable stores to avoid being duped. Pay careful attention to the product pictures as well. The most famous massage guns have the company's logo imprinted on them. The branding "Hypervolt" and "Hyperice" will be printed on the side and back of a genuine Hypervolt massage pistol. A genuine Theragun would also have the word "Theragun" written on the product's side.
Be sure to proceed with caution and common sense when looking for the best massage guns for sale online. Before you buy, look at product images and stick with trustworthy retailers like Therabody, Amazon, and DICK' S Sporting Goods. Reviews of massage guns on retailer websites can also be a strong predictor.
