The Best Massage Guns to Relieve Soreness and Boost Recovery (2024)

If you find yourself wincing post-workout or waking up with random aches and pains, we feel you. No matter the reason for your soreness, the best massage guns can help. Percussion massagers, as many of these at-home devices are know, come with a range of benefits, including alleviating muscle soreness and stiffness, says sports therapist Dr. Julia Morgan.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Theragun Prime, $299
• Best Budget: Sharper Image Powerboost Deep Tissue Massager, $85
• Best Full-Body Massager: Hyperice Hypervolt 2, $199
• Best Portable: Theragun Mini, $199
• Best for Legs: Opove M3 Pro 2, $200

The benefits of massage guns

A really good massage gun can target both large and small muscle groups to provide an intensive deep tissue massage–breaking up scar tissue and increasing blood flow to release stress, increase range of motion, and improve recovery time. “How often you use one is dependent on the person, activity level, and tolerance, but I use mine almost every day,” Morgan says. And of course, a good massage isn’t limited to just massage guns; there are other massagers we use religiously, including ones for the hand, neck, and even the scalp. Keep reading to discover some of our favorites.

Best Overall: Theragun Prime

Why we like it: The cream of the crop when it comes to body massagers, you may be most familiar with the Theragun. It boasts all the bells and whistles, including five speeds of tailored treatments and four attachments to target different areas. According to Barry’s NYC instructor Izzi Lynn, “For the hustling athlete, the Theragun Pro is hard to beat. I bust out my Pro after a long run or particularly heavy lifting day to get instant relief.”

• Benefits: Can relieves soreness, reduce tension, accelerate recovery
• Speeds: 5
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Battery Life: 2 hours
• FSA/HSA eligibility: Yes

Best Budget: Sharper Image Powerboost Deep Tissue Massager

Why we like it: Those who grew up visiting Sharper Image stores remember that the brand has always been known for its innovativeness. This battery-powered deep tissue massager, priced under $100, rivals its competitors with five interchangeable attachments and six intensity settings. It’s also super quiet, allowing you to use it without worrying about waking your partner up or disturbing their Zoom calls. Moreover, there’s a chic pastel blue shade available for those who find massage guns to be an eyesore.

• Benefits: Targets sore muscles to relieve tension, relatively quiet when in use
• Speeds: 6
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Battery Life: 4.5 hours
• FSA/HSA eligibility: No

Best Full Body Massager: Hyperice Hypervolt 2

Why we like it: Dr. Morgan swears by this device because it’s easily portable, comfortable, and lightweight to hold, yet it still packs a punch with different intensity levels that can be applied to various parts of the body. “The interchangeable heads allow me to use it pretty much anywhere! The latest Heated Head Attachment is game-changing to warm up any areas for extra relief.”

• Benefits: Provides muscle relief, lightweight, portable, heat feature
• Speeds: 3
• Weight: 1.8 lbs
• Battery Life: 3 hours
• FSA/HSA eligibility: Yes

Best Leg Massager: Opove M3 Pro 2

Why we like it: According to Lynn, “Massage guns are an excellent at-home tool to not only aid in recovery after a big day but also an excellent way to warm up your body before you exert yourself.” This one feels great on sore muscles and can even be used over your shoes or on the soles of your feet to help stimulate all the nerves in the foot—think of it as caffeine for your feet. Plus, it comes with a carrying case, making it easy to bring with you to your studio class.

• Benefits: Precise percussion for deep massaging, convenient to travel with, quiet
• Speeds: 5
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• Battery Life: 4-8 hours
• FSA/HSA eligibility: No

Best Foot Massager: Miko Foot Massager Machine

Why we like it: In an ideal world, we’d have someone on demand to massage our feet every day. But if you live alone or don’t have the time to hit the foot spa, there’s this foot massager from Miko. It’s amazing for everyone, but especially for those who walk miles on average, as it offers a combination of heat, deep-kneading, compression, rolling, subtle vibrating, and five pressure settings. You can even use it while working, reading, or propped in front of the TV for a Netflix binge. And if you find foot massagers to be unsanitary, don’t fret; it comes with removable foot liners.

• Benefits: Improves blood flow, relieves tension, wide foot slots target pressure points, quick heating function
• Speeds: N/A
• Weight: 11 lbs
• Battery Life: Corded
• FSA/HSA eligibility: Yes

Best Massager For Headaches: Therabody Smart Goggles

Why we like it: If you’re looking to relax but can’t book a one-way ticket to a remote island, these smart goggles from Therabody might be what you need. The adjustable sleep mask helps soothe headaches, relieve eye strain, and promote relaxation. With an eye and temple massage, heat, and vibration, it’s perfect for screen-heavy days, anxiety, or sleep struggles.

• Benefits: Reduces stress/anxiety, supports restful sleep, soothes headaches, lowers heart rate, increases circulation, eases facial tension
• Speeds: 4 vibration settings
• Weight: 14.8 oz
• Battery Life: 2.5 hours
• FSA/HSA eligibility: No

Best Scalp Massager: Ceremonia Scalp Massager

Why we like it: A good scalp massage has the power to turn your day around; not only is it super relaxing, but it stimulates blood flow, exfoliates, and can even potentially lead to longer hair (especially when paired with a good hair oil). There are many scalp massagers out there, but so many of them are either too harsh or made of cheap plastic. Enter this soft-bristled one from Ceremonia, which fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and delivers the perfect massage every time.

• Benefits: Stimulates blood flow, lifts sebum and product buildup, suitable for all hair types
• Speeds: N/A
• Weight: N/A
• Battery Life: N/A
• FSA/HSA eligibility: No

Best Portable Massage Gun: Theragun Mini

Why we like it: If you don’t have room for yet another bulky device, the Theragun Mini may be exactly what you need. It’s small and weighs only one pound, so you can bring it with you on the go, whether to your workout studio or on vacation. Lynn adds, “While I rarely have the motivation to sit down and foam roll or spend 10 minutes manually massaging my legs, I can easily throw on a podcast and use the Theragun on myself whenever I have a free moment.”

• Benefits: Can decrease muscle soreness and fatigue, release tension and knots, speed up recovery, relieve pain and discomfort, increase mobility
• Speeds: 3
• Weight: 1 lb
• Battery Life: 2 hours
• FSA/HSA eligibility: Yes

Best Hand Massager: LifePro Hand Massager

Why we like it: Justice for keyboard warriors, as a long day of work can lead to hand cramps and pains. This hand massager uses air compression and vibration, along with pressure point release, compression, and heat features to help you relax and relieve pain in the fingers and wrists. It’s especially helpful for those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome who need extra assistance.

• Benefits: Gentle for sensitive hands, relives pain, heats up to 107 degrees, can improve circulation
• Speeds: 5 intensity levels
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Battery Life: 2-4 hours
• FSA/HSA eligibility: No

Best Neck Massager: Homedics Neck Massager

Why we like it: All you need to do is sit back and relax as this neck massager does its thing. You can wear it amidst a busy workday or even on an uncomfortable airplane seat or in a small car, as it’s small enough to fit into your gym bag or carry-on. With various vibrations and heating modes, you can switch between many different types of deep-kneading, Shiatsu-style massages.

• Benefits: Breathable fabric, customizable, heating feature, can be used for recovery and stress relief
• Speeds: 3
• Weight: 3.6 lbs
• Battery Life: Corded
• FSA/HSA eligibility: No

Best Face Massager: Joanna Czech Face Massager

Why we like it: While you can’t use your high-pressure massage gun on your face, thankfully this massage roller from celebrity facialist Joanna Czech is the next best thing. Regularly using it can assist with sculpting the face and lymphatic drainage. Plus, when paired with your favorite skin care products, it can aid in product absorption, ensuring everything doesn’t just sit at the surface of your skin.

• Benefits: Can help dull and fatigued skin feel more lifted and sculpted
• Speeds: N/A
• Weight: 4.3 oz
• Battery Life: N/A
• FSA/HSA eligibility: No

Meet the Experts

• Izzi Lynn is an instructor at Barry’s in New York City
• Dr. Julia Morgan is a sports therapist who offers virtual and in-person training