The best massage guns for quick-fire workout recovery
A quality massage gun is the ultimate tool for loosening up muscles, banishing knots, and faster recovery after intense workouts
The best massage guns have swiftly become an essential for gym lovers, seasoned runners…or really anyone that doesn’t have the luxury to book in a massage or physio appointment every time they go hard and the DOMS start to set in.
This drill-shaped battery-powered tool — which is small enough to fit in most gym bags — uses percussive therapy (a mixture of pressure and vibrations), to help tackle that muscle soreness. It’s not just about recovery either: you can also use the best massage guns to get muscles warmed up before they’re ready to go to workout war, and you can even put them to percussive work with sore backs and necks if you really suffer from sitting too long at your desk all day long.
They all come well equipped with attachments to better target different aching parts of your body and even add new therapy methods into the mix. You can even pick them up in more weekend bag-friendly looks.
Those who are already adding protein powders, stretches and strategic rest days to their training routines to better recover between sessions could certainly look to add in some regular pummelling action with a massage gun.
Still unconvinced? We've enlisted Jack Claxton, a Personal Trainer at David Lloyd Clubs, to let us into some of the tips, tricks and background info on the massage gun.
What's the best massage gun in 2024?
Well-designed, handsome and seriously powerful, the Hypervolt 2 Pro certainly delivers on what you pay for. The most expensive pick on the list, this is also the best choice, what with a solid build, Bluetooth app support, control dial and extra attachments all included. Serious athletes: this is the massage gun for you.
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Temperature treatment is a standard physio technique, and the HoMedics massage gun uses that science in its Pro Physio design. Able to reach 47-degrees within two minutes, you can use this model to promote blood flow as well as loosen sore muscles. Prefer temperature treatment on the colder side? Bosh it in the freezer for four hours and you'll have an icy gun to work with instead.
While some of the power is lost in the smaller makeup of a portable massage gun, the Theragun Mini packs a considerable punch. Three speeds, including 2,400 RPM on the higher end, make this a formidable choice despite its size, and with a battery life of 150 minutes, it's a solid choice for anyone wanting an impromptu massage on a business trip away.
- Best overall massage gun: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro,
£379£299 at hyperice.com - Best travel massage gun: Theragun Mini, £174 at therabody.com
- Best premium massage gun: Theragun Elite, £375 at therabody.com
- Best budget massage gun: Bob & Brad Air 2, £89.99 at amazon.co.uk
What brand has the best massage gun?
According to personal trainer Jack Claxton, "The Theragun is considered one of the best in the business and I can see why – developed by personal trainers, engineers and scientists, the product has a sleek look, premium feel and great intensity.” If that's the sound of all your boxes being ticked, then scroll down to see our selection of top Theragun models.
What are the benefits of using a massage gun?
Percussive therapy — and in some cases, a combined touch of temperature treatment — is employed by massage guns to help with muscle soreness, increase blood flow and improve your range of motion ready for another session in the gym or pounding the pavements. Speed and depth are both used to treat muscles, in what Theragun, the brand that pioneered the technique, calls a powerful alternative to the foam roller.
Of course, it isn't only athletes or even the active who can benefit from a massage gun: sedentary office workers can employ the gadget on sore necks and backs to relived built-up tension and laptop-related niggles. Many massage guns will come with different head attachments, with flat heads designed to cover large muscle groups such as glutes and hamstrings, while angled pressure heads are perfect for targeting specific problem areas.
Are massage guns any good?
According to Claxton, yes. “They are often recommended by physiotherapists because of their positive effects on the body including reducing pain and decreasing lactic acid, which in turn can aid recovery,” he states. “Massage guns are also great to use before a workout as they improve your range of movement by manipulating soft tissue with vibration and speed.”
Are vibrating massage guns good for you?
“Yes, if trying to target a certain area of the body, use a vibrating massage gun to help increase blood flow will prepare the body for exercise,” Claxton continues. Increasing blood flow is a desirable outcome both before and after exercise, as it improves performance, reduces the chance of injury, and improves recovery — three things that anyone from amateur to pro, can appreciate.
What is the best Theragun?
Since it's one of the most widely known brands of massage gun, it's worth giving Theragun a short shout out. Premium models (in order of most to least expensive) currently include the Theragun Pro, Theragun Elite, Theragun Prime, and lastly, the Theragun Mini. While you can spend as much as £548 for your Theragun, you can also opt for a portable model and spend just £174. For most ordinary gym-goers, the 2,400 RPM of the Mini should be enough to make a difference, though if you're on the hunt for something with Bluetooth capabilities or customisable speed ranged, you're looking at one of the more expensive from the bunch.
Are massage guns good for deep tissue massage?
If you’ve got a powerful enough massage gun, you can effectively hit areas of deep tissue with great effect — most of the time. There are some areas and muscles that are, however, simply too deep to reach with much success. The psoas (the muscle that connects your spine to your legs), is one example of an area that’s tough to reach with a massage gun alone.
What is the difference between a massage gun and a regular massager?
Foam rollers and lacrosse balls are excellent post-workout massagers, but even budget massage guns have more power than your more analogue forms of home massage solutions. The main reason for this is its high-frequency operation, which works to increase blood flow and therefore encourage recovery in the muscles targeted.
Don't forsake other techniques altogether, though: many athletes and casual gym-goers will find a sweet spot between different methods, including visits to the masseuse, foam rolling and salt baths. One downside to consider? While many of these massage guns don't register highly on the decibel scale, they're not exactly silent either.
What massage gun do pros use?
Given this new wave of massage therapy uses a combination of speed and depth to target tight muscles and soft tissue, the two key factors that pros look out for when shopping for a high-quality massage gun, are the amplitude and frequency (or depth and speed) of the massager. The higher the amplitude and the frequency, the more effective and comprehensive the massage gun is going to be. Professionals use powerful massage guns from different manufacturers that fulfil these main criteria. Theraguns remain one of the more popular choices of pro massage gun.
Beyond these basics, other factors to keep in mind are the noise levels, if it's beginner-friendly, the battery life and charger, how ergonomic the design is, whether or not it has Bluetooth, and the types of attachments available (to target specific muscles more effectively). It's worth also considering the warranty they offer, and whether it's worth waiting till sales events like Black Friday to pull the trigger.
How long should you use a massage gun for?
Theragun recommends using a massage gun for at least 15 seconds and up to a maximum of two minutes per muscle group, with a full-body session not exceeding 15 minutes. Carried out two to three times a day, your aches and pains should feel noticeably better, and you'll be well on your way to muscle recovery.
Can massage guns get rid of knots?
Massage guns can help increase blood flow, by pummelling a specific area of muscle with high-powered vibrations. In doing so, this process can contribute to decreasing muscle inflammation and tension, which can include breaking up annoying knots. They’re also a great tool for warming up your muscles ahead of an intensive workout, further reducing the risk of injury.
What is massage gun amplitude?
Amplitude on a massage gun basically describes how deep it can get into those problematic areas and give you that deep-tissue massage experience. A top-end Theragun offers 16mm amplitude, for example, while the PulseRoll alternative delivers 12mm. The higher the number, the deeper the massage gun can go to work, particularly on really problematic parts of the body.
How much does a massage gun cost?
Massage guns vary in price quite a lot. Spending £500 on a pricey Theragun model can be a great option if you go to the gym regularly, want to take your recovery more seriously or want to focus on improving your range of motion, but, at the same time, the affordable entry-level models on the market have a lot going for them. If you're just interested in trying one out, the options under £100 are a good place to start. It ultimately depends on things like how much battery life you’re looking for and how heavy you mind it being.
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Shop GQ’s pick of the best massage guns you can buy…
1/21Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
Pros: LED lights show off remaining charge level | Five-hour battery life | Compact design
Cons: Colour might not be to your taste
- Max BPM: 3,000
- Charge time: Info N/A
- No. of attachments: Five
- Battery life: Up to three hours
The Hypervolt 2 Pro is Hyperice's strongest massage gun to date, now with five variable speeds and a swanky new digital dial to quickly cycle through them. With five head attachments, a handy storage pouch, and plug adaptors, you can boost your recovery wherever you please. Combined with the Bluetooth-powered Hyperice App, your aching muscles will be in safe hands.
£329£299. At hyperice.com & johnlewis.com
2/21Theragun Mini
Pros: Incredibly compact | Perfect for travel | Quiet
Cons: No extra attachments- Max BPM: 3,200
- Charge time: Info N/A
- No. of attachments: Seven
- Battery life: 2.5 hours
If you still want the power and functionality of a Theragun but are planning to take your massage gun out and about with you on a regular basis, or want to travel with it, the Theragun Mini is your best bet. The most travel friendly of the Theragun family, the Mini lets you pick from three speeds and will run for more than two hours to give you a sizeable amount of time to target those aches. It uses Therabody’s QuietForce motor technology to keep gun noise to a minimum and you have a plentiful array of attachments when you need to deliver more effective massaging to different parts of the body. £174. theragun.com
3/21Bob and Brad Air 2
Pros: Comfortable to grip from all angles | Fit for deep tissue massage | Lots of attachments
Cons: No screen- Max PPM: 3,200
- Charge time: 3 hours
- No of attachments: 5
- Battery life: 2-4 hours
The Air 2 is the latest massage gun offering from the (self-professed) “world famous” physiotherapists Bob and Brad. Admittedly, they do have almost 5 million subscribers on their YouTube channel, which is dedicated to keeping you pain-free, and their massage gun is actually worth your money. This triangular shaped gun lets you comfortably apply the force of the brushless motor packed inside from all angles, plus there’s five attachments to clip on to go easy on more sensitive sore parts or go harder on larger muscle groups. It can keep gunning at your aches and pains for up to four hours and opts for USB-C style charging to make sure it can power back up in a speedy fashion. £89.99. At amazon.co.uk
4/21Theragun Pro (5th Gen)
Pros: Unique ergonomic design | Screen for visually guided routines | USB-C charging
Cons: Expensive- Max BPM: 2,400
- Charge time: N/A
- No. of attachments: Six
- Battery life: 2.5 hours
One of the best massage guns now has a newer fifth-generation version, complete with a built-in display which provides visual guidance on specific routines, designed to help you along your muscle-soothing journey. With 20 per cent quieter operation than its predecessor, you can rest assured that it won't disturb you or anyone else in the vicinity either. Sticking to Therabody's tried and tested design, the unique shape of the Theragun Pro means you can hold it in numerous ways, to help find the best angle to target specific niggling pain points. £549. At therabody.com
5/21Bondir R2
Pros: Unique long attachment for reaching your back | Six attachments | USB-C charging
Cons: May be unwieldy for some- Max BPM: 3,180
- Charge time: N/A
- No. of attachments: Six
- Battery life: Up to 12 hours
With a 3,000+ BMP rating, six attachments, and a fairly vanilla design, the Bondir R2 might sound like any regular massage gun. Take a closer look, though, and there are some particularly impressive features. USB-C charging is, of course, always welcome. As is an up to 12-hour battery life. Its most impressive party trick though, is the included handle extension, which lets you easily reach your own back, without having to ask anyone else for help. If it's an area you often target but can't reach, then this should be one of your top choices. £140. At amazon.co.uk
6/21Beurer MG99
Pros: Sleek looks | Live and on-demand workouts | Large touchscreen
Cons: Expensive | Large | Might be noisy for some- Max BPM: 3,000
- Charge time: N/A
- No. of attachments: Four
- Battery life: Up to five hours
Beurer's offering is one of the more mid-range items on this list, marking a decent balance between price, performance, and accessories. Power-wise, it's capable of pumping out 3,000 rpm, with a running time of up to five hours for multiple sessions a week. It's got four different accessory heads for targetting different areas of the body, while built-in LEDs show off the remaining battery capacity and power intensity.
£89.99£66.19. At amazon.co.uk
7/21PulseRoll Ignite Mini
Pros: Large LED screen | Plenty of attachments | Good battery life
Cons: Need to charge heated attachment- Max PPM: 1800-3000
- Charge time: 90 minutes
- No of attachments: 6
- Battery life: 4-6 hours
PulseRoll’s Ignite Mini goes deep on knots, is fit for full body massages and also brings the heat if that's your jam, offering heat therapy from one of its six attachments. That hot head offers two temperature settings to deliver heat as well as percussive therapy to your aching limbs. In regular massaging mode there’s an easy to view LED screen to keep a close eye on speed settings and battery status with the Mini offering a big six hours of recovery time before it needs charging up again.
8/21Renpho heated massage gun
Pros: Heated massage head | Powerful | Quiet
Cons: Battery life less than some rivals- Max BPM: 3,200
- Charge time: 90 mins
- No. of attachments: Five
- Battery life: Up to 2.5 hours
Our second Renpho pick retains the convenient USB-C charging and ramps things up with a heated massage head. The head itself is also charged via a USB-C port, after which it will heat up when turned on to further soothe and relax tired muscles. With four additional non-heated head attachments for targetting specific spots, it offers a mixture of different ways to alleviate aches and knots.
£119.99£87.88. At amazon.co.uk
9/21Homedics
Pros: Sleek looks | Powerful motor | Varied attachments
Cons: Fewer intensity settings than some rivals- Max BPM: 3,200
- Charge time: N/A
- No. of attachments: Five
- Battery life: One hour
Homedics' lightweight massage gun has five interchangeable massage heads to target particular pain points, with three different intensity levels on offer. Unlike most of the competition, it forgoes a semi-hard case for a storage bag, which takes up less room while still offering some protection — handy for travellers looking to save some precious suitcase space.
£129.99£64.99. At amazon.co.uk
10/21Recovapro Massage Gun SE
Pros: Customisable intensity | Long battery life | Fast charging
Cons: Expensive | Larger and heavier than some other options- Max BPM: 3,200
- Charge time: 80% in 40 mins
- No. of attachments: Five
- Battery life: Four hours
The new second-generation Massage Gun SE stands out with a customisable speed range feature that lets you dial in your preferred amount of power without being limited by preset speeds. You can choose a power level between 1,400 and 3,200 RPM, while new sound insulation means it's 50 per cent quieter than previous models. Four hours of battery life per charge is far from shabby too.
£359£159. At recovapro.co.uk
11/21Theragun Elite
Pros: POLED screen | Customisable speed | Ergonomic multi-grip
Cons: Top speed slower than some alternatives- Max BPM: 2,400
- Charge time: Info N/A
- No. of attachments: Six
- Battery life: Two hours
Sitting below the Pro, the Theragun Elite hosts many of the same percussive therapy features inside of a lighter, ultra-quiet body. A five-speed gun with a vibrant OLED screen to let you see how much force is being applied to your aching body, the Theragun Elite's key advantage is just how quiet it is, designed with sound insulation to help you keep the pressure on without having to worry about it getting too loud. As with the Pro version, you can link it up with the Therabody app on your phone, which includes programmes that can help you use it correctly and effectively, while the two hours of battery life give you plenty of time to use it out and about before you need to power it up again. From £375. theragun.com
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12/21Homedics Pro Physio
Pros: Generous selection of attachments | Heat option | Touchscreen
Cons: Expensive compared to most rivals- Max BPM: 3,000
- Charge time: Info N/A
- No. of attachments: Six
- Battery life: Up to 3.5 hours
If you thought massage guns were already a pretty advanced piece of tech, think again. Incorporating temperature into its massage gun, Homedics’ latest gun goes above and beyond to try and eliminate the post-gym aches and pains you're struggling with. With fast-heating technology, the massage gun can heat up to 47C in less than two minutes, claiming to stimulate blood flow, open blood vessels and reduce discomfort. It also has a cool gel head that can be frozen for four hours and then applied after a workout. Temperature aside, the massage gun also has six available massage heads in order to target different areas and three intensity levels to choose from, while also being quiet and lightweight. From
£299.99£178.99. At amazon.co.uk, homedics.co.uk & argos.co.uk
13/21Homedics Myti
Pros: Quiet in action | Comes with heated attachment | Three colour options
Cons: Shorter battery life- Max PPM: 2,800
- Charge time: 2.5 hours
- No of attachments: 5
- Battery life: 3 hours
The very portable Myti measures in at about the same size as your regular smartphone but can still unleash plenty of percussive power. There’s four intensity levels to pick from along with five different heads to decide how hard and focused you want to go with that massaging time. Grab the ball-shaped add-on for sore hamstrings and shoulders massaging, the trigger head to deal with deeper tissue and the heated option to direct 45c of warmth all over the body to boost that recovery so you can get back to training.
14/21Hydragun
Pros: One of the quietest massage guns around | Unique appearance | Incredible six-hour battery life
Cons: On the heavier side- Max BPM: 3,200
- Charge time: Info N/A
- No. of attachments: Seven
- Battery life: Six hours
A massage gun favoured by athletes and Olympians alike (we're talking Tokyo 2020 gold medalists here), the Hydragun is one of the most technologically advanced massage guns around right now. Designed with a Smoothdrive motor, it's as quiet as massage guns come, making between 30 to 50db of noise with each use (which, to put that into context, is just slightly louder than a whisper).
The design has been carefully considered to ensure it's as user-friendly as possible, with a high torque-to-weight ratio that makes it sturdy and durable yet still lightweight and easy to carry around, and a cooling mechanism that will keep the device from overheating. The 12mm amplitude sits below the Theragun Pro's 16mm, but it still has plenty of depth to target your aching muscles, and you can choose between six-speed settings to ensure you're getting the right amount of pressure. And with its three-to-six-hour battery life, you'll only have to charge it up every few weeks. £269. hydragun.co.uk
15/21Renpho R3
Pros: Quiet motor | Lightweight | Five attachments | USB-C charging
Cons: Slow charge time- Max BPM: 3,200
- Charge time: Three hours
- No. of attachments: Five
- Battery life: Up to three hours
One of Renpho's biggest selling points is the fact that its massage gun has a standard USB-C port for convenient charging. Given our passionate hatred for proprietary cables, this is an absolute win in our books, letting you charge it at home and away with minimal hassle. Elsewhere, you've got a max 3,200 rpm, along with a lightweight 0.68kg body, five attachment heads, and a less than 45dB noise-level operation.
£109.99£79.98 At amazon.co.uk
16/21Hyperice Volt Go 2
Pros: Safe for travel | Optional heated attachment | Quiet performance
Cons: Costs extra for heated attachment- Max PPM: 3,200
- Charge time: Under 2 hours
- No of attachments: 2 attachments
- Battery life: 3 hours
The Volt Go 2 is cleared for take-off and can be stored away in your hold luggage if you’re travelling light, making this Hyperice model a great option for those always away for work or leisure. It goes about its percussive business in a quiet fashion thanks to the brand's QuietGlide technology, too, making it great for hotel room use. There’s three speed settings and two attachments included with support for a new rechargeable heated attachment if you want to add in some heat therapy to your recovery time and Hyperice has now also added an all-black model for that more low-key massage gun look.
17/21RecovaPro Lite
Pros: Lightweight | Minimalist design
Cons: May be less ergonomic for some hands- Max BPM: 2,800
- Charge time: Info N/A
- No. of attachments: Four
- Battery life: Three hours
The RecovaPro Lite lives up to its moniker by weighing in at a mere 700 grams, making it ideal if you want it for travelling (a massage gun is vital after a long-haul flight) or for just transporting easily to and from the gym locker room. Despite its tiny size it still manages to produce enough power to ease knots and aches and comes complete with four different attachments, in addition to sporting a fancy magnetic charging port. With quiet operation and five different speed settings, it's an ideal choice for popping into a bag with minimal fuss.
£259£89. recovapro.co.uk
18/21Pulseroll Mini
Pros: Sleek looks | Live and on-demand workouts | Large touchscreen
Cons: Expensive | Large | Might be noisy for some- Max BPM: 3,000
- Charge time: Info N/A
- No. of attachments: Four
- Battery life: Up to six hours
Designed to be a portable alternative and companion to the Pulseroll massage gun, the mini massage gun is a pocket-friendly machine that you can easily take with you to the gym or office. While it may be small in size, it does have four speed settings and an LED screen, as well as a rechargeable battery. Currently, there are four different attachment heads available, including a small round head, a pneumatic head, a spinal head and a bullet head, all of which allow you to specifically target different areas. As it's designed for taking on the go, the massage gun also comes in a carry case with a strap and zipper to make it even more portable. If you want a smaller massage gun, this is it.
£149.99£129.99. At pulseroll.com & amazon.co.uk
19/21Power Plate Mini+
Pros: USB charging | Lightweight | Easily portable
Cons: Fewer attachments than most- Max BPM: 3,000
- Charge time: 3.5 hours
- No. of attachments: Two
- Battery life: Five hours
While most massage guns are simple and easy to use while you’re at home, there’s definitely something to be said for those that are compact enough to take with you while you’re on the go, whether that be to the office or the gym. The lightweight design of the Power Plate Mini + makes it easy to carry around and fit into your gym bag, which means you can hold it easily in one hand and make it officially a part of your routine.
Of course, if you’re planning on using it outside of the comfort of your own home, you’ll also appreciate how quiet this one is, and, as with other massage guns, it still works hard to relax sore muscles, promote blood flow and reduce muscle pain. For your convenience, it’s also chargeable by USB and has five hours of battery life.
£149.95£119. At amazon.co.uk
20/21MuscleGun Carbon
Pros: Varied attachments | Powerful | Quick charging
Cons: Expensive- Max BPM: 3,200
- Charge time: One hour
- No. of attachments: Four
- Battery life: Five hours
Focusing on the principle that the faster you recover, the harder you’ll be able to train, this massage gun from MuscleGun is a lightweight but effective choice. With a state-of-the-art brushless motor (which also happens to be noise-reducing), it allows you to discreetly enjoy a deep-tissue massage, delivering up to 3,200 strokes per minute. According to MuscleGun, the speed and precision of its machine should increase blood flow and circulation, reducing pain and tightness. With just one use, you’ll get up to five hours of battery life (perfect for if you want to take your massager to the gym). Scientifically calibrated and designed, this is an effective option that really works.
£189£169.99. At amazon.co.uk
21/21Pulseroll Pro
Pros: Sleek looks | Live and on-demand workouts | Large touchscreen
Cons: Expensive | Large | Might be noisy for some- Max BPM: 3,300
- Charge time: Three hours
- No. of attachments: Six
- Battery life: Three hours
Pulseroll is best known for its recovery kit that vibrates and now it’s added a gun to the ranks to make it one to grab before or after a painful training session. There are four different speeds and six attachments at your disposal, including one better suited for a spinal muscle massage. It’s fit to run for five hours off a single charge and you can drop it into the carry case when you need to go mobile with your recovery. £230.55. At amazon.co.uk
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