The days of using a foam roller or tennis ball without much guidance are behind us, thanks to the rise of massage guns and vibrating roller technology.
As these tools become more popular, runners increasingly invest in massage guns for targeted muscle relief.
However, with so many new designs and models available, figuring out which is worth your investment can take time and effort.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Massage Gun?
If you’re new to buying a massage gun, it can take time to know where to start.
Here’s a quick guide to help you out.
Athletes look for a high amplitude, which is measured in millimeters. This tells you how deeply the gun can penetrate your muscles and how powerful it will feel. The most powerful models typically have an amplitude of around 16mm.
Speed settings are also important; aim for at least three, but more options are better for addressing delicate and tougher muscle groups.
A variety of massage heads is useful, too, from the standard ball attachment to specialized heads like thumb, wedge, and cone for targeting tricky or sensitive areas. If you plan to take your massage gun to the gym or track, check if it comes with a carry case for easy transport.
Also, consider the size, weight, and battery life to ensure it’s convenient to carry around and won’t run out of power when needed.
Benefits of Massage Guns
Using a massage gun offers several benefits that can enhance physical performance and reduce the risk of injury.
The fast-moving head delivers deep vibrations to your muscles, helping to alleviate tight knots and providing relief from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This deep-tissue massage promotes quicker recovery after intense workouts.
Additionally, a massage gun boosts blood circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body. This increased circulation can reduce inflammation and overall pain, making it an excellent tool for both recovery and injury prevention.
Top Massage Guns
Best Overall:
Therabody Theragun PRO 5th Gen
Weight: 1.25kg
Battery life: 2.5 hours
Speed control: 5
It comes with 6 attachment heads
Overview
It is perfect for runners who are serious about their recovery. It’s designed for full-body use, featuring an easily graspable triangular handle and an adjustable arm with four angles. Six different massage heads, including a super-soft attachment for sensitive areas and a thumb attachment that mimics human touch, make it ideal for pro athletes.
What makes the PRO 5th Gen special is its high-res OLED screen and four guided routines that can be customized via the easy-to-use Therabody app, which connects seamlessly through Bluetooth. The app offers a variety of tutorials, like run warm-ups, sleep routines, and relief for tech neck.
It even suggests massages based on your recent activities tracked on Strava or Apple Health. Start a session, and the app will guide you on which attachment to use, where to focus, and how long to massage.
While it might be more than the average gym-goer needs, this device is top-notch for serious athletes. The controls are intuitive, it delivers plenty of power, and with five-speed settings, it’s versatile enough for pre-run muscle preparation and post-run cooldowns.
Best Compatible to Bring with You:
Bob and Brad Q2
Weight: 680g
Battery life: 3.5 hours
Speed control: 5
It comes with 5 attachment heads
Overview
The Bob and Brad Q2 massage gun is a great choice for those on the go, thanks to its handy carry case. A portable massage gun is essential whether traveling or hitting the gym often.
This model includes everything you need, from a charger to setup instructions and five interchangeable heads—more than any other massage gun in its price range.
Setting it up was straightforward, and the fast-charging battery was ready quickly. The universally convenient USB-C charging port.
If you’re taking it off the beaten path and don’t have access to a mains outlet, it works excellently with a rechargeable battery pack, making it a great option for trail runners and adventurers.
Best Under $100:
Tolco Massage Gun
Weight: 907g
Battery life: 6 hours
Speed control: 7
It comes with 10 attachment heads.
Overview
The massage gun offers 20-speed settings, allowing you to easily choose the power level that suits your needs. It also has various massage heads to cater to different muscle groups and preferences.
The screen is easy to read, making it simple to select your desired settings. Plus, it’s quiet, so you can use it without disturbing others.
Don’t let the affordable price fool you—this massage gun can do the job. With prices dropping even on top-tier options, now is the perfect time to grab the best massage gun for your recovery needs.
Best Bluetooth Guided Usage:
Hyperice Hyper Volt 2 Pro
Weight: 1.18kg
Battery life: 3 hours
Speed control: 5
It comes with 5 attachment heads
Overview
This massage gun is a popular choice on the market. Although it has fewer speed settings than other models, it compensates for longer battery life and is recognized as one of the quietest massage guns available.
The Hypersmart app offers personalized plans to help you maximize its use. It’s also TSA-friendly, making it convenient for travel. Although it only features three-speed levels, its quality is unquestionable.
While there might be other options at a similar price point, Hypervolt is a highly reputable brand known for durability, so you can trust that this massage gun will last you a long time.
Best For Travel
Ekrin Athletics Bantam Mini
Weight: 498 g
Battery life: 5 hours
Speed control: 5
It comes with 4 attachment heads
Overview
Wrapping Up
The massage gun can reduce muscle soreness and speed up your recovery time. Whether training for a marathon or logging regular miles, a high-quality massage gun can relieve deep tissue, improve circulation, and keep your legs fresh.
Leading brands like Theragun, Hyperice, Ekrin, and Bob and Brad offer models with powerful performance, ergonomic designs, and customizable attachments to target every muscle group. Whether you need the professional-grade intensity of the Theragun Pro or the compact convenience of the Ekrin B37, there’s a massage gun to suit your needs and budget.
When choosing the best massage gun, consider factors like amplitude, stall force, noise level, and battery life to ensure it meets your recovery goals. A reliable massage tool can become a game-changer, helping you bounce back faster after long runs or tough speed sessions.
