11 best massage guns and handheld massagers of 2024
You'll be thanking us for this unexpected massage gun feature, which honestly took us by surprise - and giving relief to sore and tired muscles.
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While we’d all love to treat ourselves to a massage every other day to soothe those work or exercise-induced aches and pains, few of us have the budget for such a luxury.
But that doesn’t mean you have to live with the discomfort. Right now, a massage gun is one of the most popular at-home wellness devices, which can help work away all those sore spots.
And even the most expensive massage gun can pale in comparison to the cost of a weekly session with a masseuse.
Handheld, portable and self-massaging, a massage gun typically features a massage head that rapidly pulses to offer a deep tissue massage which increases blood flow and circulation.
Quality massage guns are ideal for people with stiff or sore muscles due to exercise, poor posture, manual labour, and more – so basically, just about anyone could benefit from one.
Want to buy the right massage gun but don't know where to start?
Well, to save you time and money we’ve compiled the best models to suit all kinds of budgets, including the RENPHO Thermacool Massage Gun with Heat and Cold Head, which has an "amazing heating function" that five-star shoppers say "works magic on stiff and sore muscles".
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS - BEST MASSAGE GUNS
What You Need To Know
Designed with a heating and cooling head, as well as four standard massage heads, this RENPHO Massage Gun is a popular choice thanks to its super powerful brushless motor that penetrates muscle tissue to a 10mm depth, five speeds and quiet design.
A surprise feature of this massage gun head is the fact it can heat up to 45°C or cool down to 8°C for deeper muscle relaxation and stress relief.
Holding a 4.6 star rating from over 800 reviews on Amazon, shoppers say the massage gun is like a “portable chiropractor”.
“What an incredible piece of technology. My wife has suffered from back pain for years and has tried everything from chiro to creams, to pills and stretches/massage and nothing has offered lasting relief. Enter the Renpho, this thing is a chiropractor in a case. It offers multiple head attachments for a variety of uses and trigger points along with multiple intensities in the control unit,” they wrote.
“But the cream de la cream is the heating and cooling head! Hot and cool massage was a game changer for my wife. She now feels less pain and strain in the lower back and feels better longer between ‘sessions’. The price point is great when you consider the quality of this product. I am very happy with the purchase.”
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I'm genuinely impressed by the RENPHO Thermacool Massage Gun. It's a great buy if you're after a massage gun under $200. I thought you needed to spend much more on a product like this, but as it turns out, I've been proven wrong.
Not only is it fast charging, (it took less than four hours to full charge up), the RENPHO Thermacool Massage Gun uses a USB C adaptor which makes it a great choice it you're travelling or on the road.
I've recently had a tight muscle in my calf and have been using this massage gun to help with my stretching and recovery program.
This is a powerful massage gun that will really get into those knots.
The speed and pressure of the unit is great, and I really like the interchangeable heads.
It's a great shape to hold in your hand and at 1.29kg it's also not too heavy. There are five different speeds on the RENPHO Thermacool Massage Gun, the higher the speed the deeper massage into the muscle, but I've found the first couple of speed settings perform great.
It's most impressive feature is the heating and cooling head attachment. Both the heating and cooling settings have four different ranges you set, and it's almost instantaneous once you turn this on.
I found it beneficial during use, it's a bit like having a heat pack or ice pack on the go and your muscles will thank you for it.
I've tried out other massage guns in the past that were super noisy, thankfully this is another area where the RENPHO Thermacool Massage Gun excels. It's quiet which means I can use it at home if my roommate is already asleep.
Overall, the RENPHO Thermacool Massage Gun is an excellent product that's worth your attention.
HoMedics Therapist Select Plus Percussion Massage Gun, $149.95 at The Good Guys
HoMedics Therapist Select Plus Percussion Massage Gun
What You Need To Know
This Pro Series II percussion gun is designed to give you a professional-style massage. It has six interchangeable heads designed for different massage styles and parts of the body. Other features include six intensity levels, a rubber grip handle, and a LCD touchscreen for easy programming.
Holding a 4.6 rating out of 960 reviews on Google, this massage gun is a popular choice among shoppers.
“I am so happy with this purchase. I often get back pain and tension headaches, since using this device I have noticed a reduction in both of these issues,” one five-star reviewer said.
“I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone looking for an effective massage gun.”
Other five-star reviews say it “works magic on tired, aching muscles” and is great value for money given it comes with multiple attachments.
BEST AFFORDABLE MASSAGE GUN
What You Need To Know
Get a professional-level massage in the comfort of your own home with the Everfit Massage Gun. It comes with six head attachments for targeted relief, 30 gear speed levels, and a powerful 20V brushless high-torque motor which penetrates 12mm deep into your muscle tissues at up to 4000 percussions per minute.
The rechargeable lithium battery lasts up to eight hours and the LCD display with smart touch controls make using this massage gun easy and efficient.
With over 1000 reviews on Google, shoppers say the gun is “real good value” and “gets into the deep tissue like no other product”.
“For the amazingly low price compared to others on the market, it delivers a greater range of pressure settings that can be adjusted to such a powerful level that it could even hurt someone on full power with certain fittings. The six different fittings provide diverse massages suiting different muscles and they really relieve pain,” one happy shopper praised.
BEST MASSAGE GUN FOR BATTERY LIFE
RENPHO Deep Tissue Massage Gun, $139.98 at Amazon Australia
RENPHO Deep Tissue Massage Gun
What You Need To Know
This is RENPHO’s latest massage gun model the RP-GM171. It comes out on top in customer reviews for having the best battery life, promising to power a week’s worth of workouts.
It has USB-type C charging and automatically turns off after 10 minutes to protect the life of its 2500m-a-h high-quality battery.
Shoppers also said the controls were easy to use and the massage gun had reasonably good strength to target muscles.
“I bought this as a gift for my partner and I steal it almost every day. It comes with a carry case that is just perfect for travel. It packs a mighty punch if you need something hearty but I’ve never had to use the highest setting. It’s various heads mean you can get to every muscle and the smaller device means you can reach them all too,” wrote one five-star review.
Other features also include five different speeds from 1800 to 3200rpm and five different massage heads.
BEST MASSAGE GUNS FOR STRENGTH
RENPHO Muscle Massage Gun, $159.99 (down from $199.99) at Amazon Australia
RENPHO Muscle Massage Gun
What You Need To Know
This massage gun is ideal for anyone looking to target different muscle groups with five different speed options and five massager heads included. It’s super lightweight an designed with a quiet brushless motor, making it perfect for home or gym use. Plus the compact design and easy to grip handle ensures greater ease of use.
It comes with a rechargeable battery that will last for a week’s worth of workouts.
It is Amazon’s number one bestseller in the manual massage stick category and has over 21,200 five-star reviews.
“This feels like it’s able to penetrate deeply and get to the muscle without hurting the outer skin or muscles,” wrote one five-star review.
Another said, “The Renpho is so light and portable, as well as coming in a little carry case that I think I would be able to travel with it quite easily. I also love that it comes with a variety of different attachments to target different areas more effectively, and these are quickly and easily changed over as needed.”
BEST MASSAGE GUNS FOR SORE MUSCLES
BOB AND BRAD Deep Tissue Percussion Massager Gun, $139.99 at Amazon
BOB AND BRAD Deep Tissue Percussion Massager Gun
What You Should Know
Bob And Brad is a brand by two famous Canadian physiotherapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck. This affordable massage gun that gets positive reviews for its battery life and working well to relieve muscle stiffness.
Top features include its type-C fast-charging port, which be charged to a 5V/2A adaptor or power bank. It will also automatically switch off after 10 minutes of use and weighs 680g. It has five different heads and speeds for different parts of the body.
“I wanna start by saying that this thing is absolutely bloody brilliant!” one five star review reads.
“I’ve held and used a few different percussion massage guns (courtesy of friends), particularly at this price point, and Bob and Brad C2 feels the most premium of all, and that too by a decent margin.”
HoMedics Physio Massage Gun, $74 at The Good Guys
HoMedics Physio Massage Gun
What You Need To Know
Boasting up to 3000rpm (rotations per minute), this HoMedics Massage Gun has three interchangeable massage heads and offers one hour of cordless power. One-button control makes it easy to handle, with three intensity levels to suit your needs.
It has a 4.4-star average rating from more than 280 reviews, with one reviewer commenting “This product is really nice to relax your muscles. Using (for) only 15 mins on the whole body, it makes you feel fresh. Highly recommend”.
BEST PREMIUM MASSAGE GUN
Theragun PRO, $799 at Therabody
Theragun PRO
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If I am being perfectly honest, I’ve always been a bit sceptical of massage guns. Can they really compare to an actual massage from a trained professional or are they simply the latest gimmick?
Recently, I tried the latest version of the Theragun Pro. There is no denying this massage gun is at the top of the range. Upgrades from the previous versions include QuietForce Technology, app integration with bluetooth connectivity and two times the battery life of the previous generation. With a price point of $799, I had very high expectations.
To start with, I'm in my twenties with fortunately no chronic pain issues. With this in mind, when trialling the Theragun I was more hoping for some relaxation and to relieve some built-up tension rather than as an answer to any serious ailments.
The first thing I noticed when I switched on the Theragun Pro was the insane force and speed at which the attachment head was moving. I was honestly stunned. It was moving at a speed that I had never seen before on a massage gun. The second thing I noticed was the noise. Therabody prides itself on its QuietForce Technology. Designed to be up to 55 per cent quieter than previous versions so I was expecting almost no noise. This wasn’t quite the case. Perhaps, I had set my expectations too high but I felt it definitely was still fairly loud and not something I’d bring out if others were around.
But my favourite feature of the Theragun Pro was the Therabody App. Often with massage guns, I’ve felt like after a quick once over of my sorest body parts I didn’t really know what to do with it. The app features guided routines and learns from your real-time activity to create the perfect personalised set for you. The Bluetooth on the device also means that the app is able to control the speed at which the massage gun operates.
This was definitely a game-changer for me and I really appreciated having the ability to follow a routine. From daily self-care routines to guides targeted at specific body parts as well as warm-up and cool-down sets, this app truly sets the Theragun apart.
The triangular grip and rotating arm make it really easy to reach anywhere on your body – right down to the middle of your back – with ease. It has a 300 minute battery life, smart app integration with bluetooth, and a customisable speed range so you can precisely meet your massaging needs. It also includes six easy-to-clean attachments. I mostly used the standard ball attachment which is designed for overall use while the other five are ideal for a more targeted approach.
Overall, I was a big fan of the Theragun Pro. I have tried other massage guns at a lower price point and there is no dispute that the Theragun Pro is in a league of its own. Is it worth $899? In my opinion, if you can afford it then yes but otherwise there are more affordable options that work almost just as well.
Hydragun Handheld Massage Gun, $399 at Hydragun
What You Need To Know
Used by Olympians and recovery professionals, if you consider yourself an athlete this is for you. Claiming to be the “quietest gun on the market”, it also has a six-hour battery life, 12mm amplitude and up to 53 percussions per second.
“The Hydragun claims to be the quietest premium massage gun on the market, and having used it myself, I can confirm that it’s exceptionally quiet – while also being exceptionally effective at soothing sore muscles,” says former Shopping Writer Mariela Summerhays.
Another former news.com.au Checkout Shopping Writer Dani Maher wrote, “Used by the likes of Olympian Bronte Campbell, the Hydragun is strong yet light, and comes with six attachments and six speed levels – which I find super useful for targeting different muscle groups.”
“It looks and feels super luxurious – it’s made of aerospace-grade aluminium rather than cheap plastic, after all – and it offers a huge six hour battery life. It’s definitely a premium option, but personally I love it.”
BEST MINI MASSAGE GUN
Homedics Quattro Mini Handheld Massager, $12.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Small but powerful, this portable handheld massager from Homedics means you can enjoy a relaxing vibration massage on the go.
Featuring three interchangeable massage heads and a large comfort hand grip, the affordable unit has over 10,000 5-star rating on Amazon.
Shoppers say don’t be fooled by the small size, noting it “may be small but its ability to give a great massage is amazing”.
“It’s easy to use and provides relief from those tired and aching muscles,” they said.
Other say it’s “worth it” adding, “It is cute and small to carry out. Also it has strong vibration.”
BEST PORTABLE MASSAGE GUN
Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0, $349 at The Good Guys
Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0
What You Need To Know
Theragun has to be one of – if not the – biggest name in the massage gun business. The 2nd generation mini model is 20 per cent smaller and 30 per cent lighter than the previous edition. As the brand's most affordable and portable option, it doesn’t skimp on power despite its size.
It could very well take out the take of best mini massage gun, thanks to its three different speed settings of 1750, 2100 and 2400 percussions per minute. It also has a whisper-quiet motor as well as 150-minute battery life.
“Having given it a whirl myself, I can confirm that it’s super effective. The compact handle is easy to grip, it’s really light and quiet, and it’s amazing for relieving muscle pain with its three settings,” says former Shopping Writer Dani Maher.
“It’s certainly more expensive than some of its counterparts, but it looks and feels the part, and you get what you pay for.”
Other shoppers have also praised how “powerful” the Theragun Mini 2.0 massage gun is and love its “compact size”.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MASSAGE GUN
According to Therabody founder Jason Wersland, considering the origin of the massage gun is super important.
He says to question:
- Whether it was developed and produced by professional practitioners?
- Has it been tested?
- Is it scientifically-validated?
- Make sure it offers the therapies you need including range of massage intensity, attachments, battery life, noise level, and ergonomics.
He also notes that another key factor to look into is the amplitude of the device meaning how deep the device can penetrate the muscle. According to Wersland, “while most massage guns only have 10mm of amplitude, Theragun has 16mm.”
This means it can go 60 per cent deeper into your muscles.
Plus, another factor Jason says to look out for is how easy it can access hard to reach places.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best massage gun for your needs and budget, we asked Jason Wersland, Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Therabody, for his expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a massage gun.
Wersland has a doctor of chiropractic and founded the company in 2009 after a bad injury in a motorcycle accident when he realised that he needed a better tool to manage his pain.
In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best massage gun from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE MASSAGE GUNS WORTH IT?
Massage guns are definitely a worthwhile purchase if you suffer from frequent aches, whether that’s due to strenuous exercise, poor posture, or anything else. They can relieve muscle soreness, increase mobility, aid in stress relief, increase blood circulation, and allow for better lymphatic drainage.
Personally, I use my massage gun frequently to work out the knots in my neck and upper back, and to relieve sore legs or feet if I’ve done a lot of walking.
WHICH MASSAGE GUN IS BEST?
It depends on your needs. Leading brands Theragun, Hydragun, and Hyperice all offer exceptional quality, but they also come with high price tags. Consider the cost of regular massage sessions though, and you’ll find that even the higher-priced options pay for themselves pretty quickly.
While the higher quality is worth the investment if you want a massage gun you will be using frequently, for those who aren’t quite ready for that commitment there are cheaper options available.
They may not be as powerful or have as many settings to customise your massage but they’ll get the job done for a fraction of the price. If you're strapped for space, mini massage guns can also deliver great results.
HOW LONG SHOULD I USE A MASSAGE GUN FOR EACH SESSION?
According to Jason, it depends on when you are using one and for what purpose.
If using before a workout, he recommends using your Theragun, or other massage gun, for 30 seconds per muscle group. Jason says this will help to “activate your muscles and prep your body for a solid session.” Plus, he notes that “not only will this increase mobility, but improve your overall muscle co-ordination.”
You can also use the massage gun during a workout. When doing so, Jason suggests using it for 10- 15 seconds per muscle group. He says this is “key to reactivating those inhibited muscles for peak output”. And it can help promote recovery too.
When using a massage gun after a workout, he recommends using it for 20 seconds per muscle group after activity and that it “will make a world of difference in your recovery”.
ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING A MASSAGE GUN?
Making sure to always follow the instructions of your massage gun is the most important step you can take for your own safety. Other key considerations to remember, according to Jason are:
- Do not use the massage gun on your head or face. Unless it is a device designed for such activities like the TheraFace PRO.
- Do not use on open or fresh wounds.
- If pregnant, do not use a massage gun on your back and make sure to consult with your doctor before other use.
SHOULD A MASSAGE GUN BE USED BEFORE OR AFTER A WORKOUT?
It can be used before, during and after a workout says Jason. “You’ll be surprised by the difference it makes to your overall performance and recovery,” he says.
But he says to remember “everything in moderation” and that the longest they recommend using the Theragun is two minutes per muscle group.
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