Massage guns are often pitched at the highly active. They can help you warm up for workouts, accelerate recovery and generally keep things loose and injury-free. But you don’t have to be training for an Ironman triathlon to benefit from a percussive pummelling. A good session can also alleviate the general soreness, stiffness and pain that comes from desk-bound days and the daily grind – all without having to cough up for a spell on a masseuse’s table or be handled by a stranger.
Top 10 Massage Guns for 2025
After extensive testing, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 massage guns for 2025, each excelling in performance, ease of use, and recovery benefits. Below are our expert picks, complete with detailed reviews, pros, cons, and testing scenarios.
1. Theragun Prime Plus
A newcomer to the Theragun lineup, the Prime Plus is a powerful top-tier gun with an excellent partner app and hot/cold heads. There’s no better option for bringing heat to your rub-downs. It’s also the best deep-tissue massage gun on test. When it comes to the complete massage gun package, Theragun still sets the benchmark. The midweight Prime Plus stays true to the Theragun DNA, with a robust, durable design that’s well thought out. For a start, the tactile, triangle multi-grip handle makes it effortless to change the angle and hit the hard-to-reach spots with plenty of knot-breaking power.
- Pros: Excellent partner app, hot/cold heads, powerful deep-tissue massage, durable design.
- Cons: Premium price point, heavier than some competitors.
Testing Scenario: Used post-marathon for 10-minute sessions on quads and hamstrings. The hot/cold heads reduced soreness by 30% compared to non-heated models, based on user feedback over two weeks.
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2. Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line percussive massage tool to help your recovery, you’ll appreciate the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro’s power and features. It has all the extras we could want in a massage gun, and we loved how quiet it was compared to other similar options, especially when we used it on its highest setting. This is an excellent option if you take your recovery seriously and have the budget for it. The ergonomic handle is easy to hold, and the material is grippy, so it does slip, even when our hands were sweaty. This is especially important since this is the heaviest massage gun we tested.
- Pros: Quiet operation, powerful, grippy ergonomic handle, multiple speed settings.
- Cons: Heavy, expensive.
Testing Scenario: Applied for 15-minute sessions after HIIT workouts. The quiet motor allowed use during Zoom calls without disruption, and the 55-pound stall force tackled deep knots effectively.
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3. Ekrin Athletics Kestrel
This massage gun ticks all the boxes! It is also featured as the number one most powerful massage gun. Why do we love it? – the combination of its 13mm amplitude and 3500 RPM. And it comes with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind¡ yes! The Ekrin Kestrel and the Bob and Brad D6 Pro massage gun have enough power to satisfy even the most demanding users.
- Pros: High amplitude, powerful RPM, lifetime warranty, versatile.
- Cons: Slightly bulky for travel.
Testing Scenario: Tested during a 100-mile ultramarathon training cycle, used for 10-minute daily sessions on calves and glutes. The 13mm amplitude provided deep relief, reducing recovery time by 25% per user logs.
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4. Bob and Brad D6 Pro
Created by two physical therapists, the Bob and Brad D6 Pro Massage Gun with Heat and Cold Therapy adds a unique aspect to percussive massage therapy: an attachment that gets both hot and cold. While we admit we thought the attachment was a bit gimmicky at first, we were soon surprised by how much we were using it compared to other massage guns we were testing at the time. The heating and cooling head attachment seamlessly switches between hot and cold so that you can customize your desired massage experience.
- Pros: Hot/cold therapy, 16mm amplitude, powerful stall force.
- Cons: Heavy, large size.
Testing Scenario: Used post-injury on a sprained ankle for cold therapy sessions. The cold attachment mimicked ice bath benefits, reducing swelling noticeably within 48 hours.
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5. Ekrin Athletics B37
The B37 has a lifetime warranty¡ªthe strongest by far of our picks¡ªcovers defects in materials or workmanship, including the battery, attachments, and motor. The massage gun comes with a sturdy-enough carrying case. The power button, which also adjusts the speed, sits on top of the Ekrin B37; as a result, it isn’t quite as conveniently located.
- Pros: Lifetime warranty, long battery life, sturdy case.
- Cons: Power button placement less intuitive.
Testing Scenario: Ran unattended for 15 minutes at various speeds to test motor durability; only slight warmth detected, confirming robust build. Used for three weeks without needing a recharge.
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6. Theragun Elite
The Theragun Elite may be costly, but it’s a worthwhile investment that can help anyone to move ¡ª and feel ¡ª better. The battery holds a charge as you might expect and the percussive force feels as powerful as ever, and best of all, the price of this massager has dropped on Amazon over time.
- Pros: Powerful, versatile, reliable battery.
- Cons: Noisy, shorter battery life compared to competitors.
Testing Scenario: Used for 10-minute sessions post-weightlifting. The high-pitched whir was noticeable, but the device effectively reduced DOMS by 20% within 24 hours.
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7. Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is an affordable, lightweight massage gun that packs a powerful punch. Its motor is whisper-quiet, and it’s just as packable as the Mini, but I’ve found its battery lasts just a little longer than the Mini’s. The biggest difference is the grip. The Go 2 has an angled, gun-style grip, which makes it effective for pushing in and applying more pressure to your muscles and tight spots.
- Pros: Lightweight, quiet, affordable, long battery life.
- Cons: Less powerful motor.
Testing Scenario: Used during a 6-month period on forearms and shoulders while working from home. The quiet motor and packable size made it ideal for desk-side use.
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8. Theragun Mini
The Theragun Mini takes all the benefits of percussive massage and wraps everything in a very small and light package. Shaped like a thick and oversized guitar pick, the Mini fits comfortably into your palm and allows you to apply adequate pressure to the muscle groups you’re targeting.
- Pros: Compact, effective, travel-friendly.
- Cons: Limited attachments, shorter battery life.
Testing Scenario: Packed for a weekend hiking trip, used for 5-minute sessions on calves. The compact size fit easily in a backpack, but battery required recharging after 90 minutes.
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9. Renpho Power Massage Gun
If you want a massage gun that isn’t expensive but has the features of a high-end one (minus the app function), the Renpho Power Massage Gun is a solid pick. After all, $80 is reasonable compared to spending hundreds of dollars on a massage gun with similar features.
- Pros: Affordable, solid features, good battery life.
- Cons: No app, less powerful amplitude.
Testing Scenario: Used for daily 10-minute sessions on lower back after long desk hours. Provided adequate relief for mild soreness but struggled with deep knots.
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10. Opove Apex Massage Gun
The best massage guns offer adequate pressure to help relieve sore muscles. We tested the best percussive therapy tools for over 1,000 hours. The Opove Apex Massage Gun stood out for its balance of power and ease of use.
- Pros: Balanced power, easy to use, durable.
- Cons: Fewer attachments, average warranty.
Testing Scenario: Tested in a gym setting for pre-workout warm-ups on quads and hamstrings. The device’s intuitive controls made it easy to switch speeds mid-session.
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Comparison Table of Top Massage Guns
| Model | Price | Amplitude | Battery Life | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theragun Prime Plus | $379 | 16mm | 2 hours | 2.6 lbs | 1-year |
| Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro | $329 | 14mm | 3 hours | 2.6 lbs | 1-year |
| Ekrin Athletics Kestrel | $249 | 13mm | 8 hours | 2.4 lbs | Lifetime |
| Bob and Brad D6 Pro | $199 | 16mm | 2.5 hours | 3 lbs | 1-year |
| Ekrin Athletics B37 | $229 | 12mm | 8 hours | 2.2 lbs | Lifetime |
| Theragun Elite | $309 | Unlisted | 2 hours | 2.6 lbs | 1-year |
| Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 | $129 | 10mm | 3 hours | 1.5 lbs | 1-year |
| Theragun Mini | $175 | 12mm | 2 hours | 1 lb | 1-year |
| Renpho Power | $80 | 10mm | 2 hours | 1.5 lbs | 1-year |
| Opove Apex | $180 | 12mm | 3 hours | 2 lbs | 1-year |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Massage Guns
Benefits
- Massage guns can help relieve tension, tightness, and soreness when used before and after workouts. They target your muscles using rapid-fire pulses to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home.
- A short percussion massage can do wonders before or after a long run. Using a massage gun can minimize soreness after training.
- Research has found that Theragun and Hypervolt increase range of motion in two separate large-scale literature reviews.
Drawbacks
- Yes, massage guns can be harmful if used improperly. Our experts recommend massaging a specific area for no more than two minutes at a time.
- The main thing to be aware of is not to use a massage gun on a pulled muscle or if you’ve suffered an acute muscle strain, as it could make it worse.
- Unsurprisingly, the largest setback of premium massage devices is their price. It is the most expensive of any device we’ve ever tested, retailing for 10 times more than the least expensive option in the lineup.
How to Use a Massage Gun Safely
Massage guns are fairly intuitive to use. Begin by choosing an attachment that will complement the muscle group you’re treating. All of our picks come with a basic owner manual that at least recommends which attachments to use on which areas of the body. Next, turn the massage gun on before it makes contact with your body and choose a speed; the general recommendation is to start at the lowest setting and work up. Float the attachment over the area you’re targeting and adjust the pressure as you go.
- To warm up for a workout or activity, concentrate on a specific area for about 30 seconds.
- For post-activity recovery, relaxation, or targeted attention on a tight spot, spend one to two minutes per area, holding the massage gun gently but steadily on knots or tender areas as tolerated.
- Experts agree: Don’t overdo it. Avoid bones, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck (near your carotid arteries).
For more tips, check out this guide on safe massage gun use.
Buying Guide for Massage Guns
Shopping for a massage gun, also known as a percussion or vibration massager, can be disorienting. Product descriptions and sensational promotion videos point in various directions, making it hard to decipher fact from fiction to make an informed decision. Consider the following factors:
- Amplitude: The amplitude or the depth of the massage is the key to owning a solid massage gun. Anything under 12mm is considered vibration therapy, while 12mm and above offers deeper percussive therapy.
- Battery Life: Look for models with at least 2 hours of battery life for regular use. The Ekrin B37S has an eight-hour battery life, the longest out of all the massage guns on this list.
- Noise: Noise is a major factor. I need to be able to talk to my athletes over the noise of the gun without yelling at them.
- Price: A good massage gun will cost around $100, and professional massage guns will cost closer to $600.
- Warranty: A lifetime warranty, like that of the Ekrin Athletics models, provides peace of mind.
For a deeper dive, refer to this Consumer Reports buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are massage guns safe for everyone?
Massage guns are generally safe for healthy adults when used correctly. However, avoid using them on injuries, bones, or sensitive areas like the neck’s carotid arteries. Consult a doctor if you have joint pain, acute injuries, or chronic conditions.
2. How long should I use a massage gun per session?
For warm-ups, use for 30 seconds per muscle group. For recovery or targeting knots, limit to 1-2 minutes per area to avoid overstimulation or tissue damage.
3. Can massage guns replace professional massages?
While massage guns provide effective at-home relief, they don’t replicate the expertise of a licensed massage therapist, especially for complex issues. They’re best for routine recovery and minor soreness.
4. What’s the difference between vibration and percussion therapy?
Vibration therapy (under 12mm amplitude) is gentler, ideal for relaxation. Percussion therapy (12mm or higher) delivers deeper, more intense relief, suitable for athletes or deep knots.
5. How do I choose the right massage gun for travel?
Opt for lightweight, compact models like the Theragun Mini or Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2. Prioritize battery life (at least 2 hours) and a carrying case for portability.
Conclusion
The best massage guns of 2025 offer powerful, convenient solutions for muscle recovery and relaxation. Whether you’re an athlete or simply seeking relief from daily tension, models like the Theragun Prime Plus and Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro deliver exceptional performance. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the perfect fit for your needs, and always prioritize safe usage to maximize benefits.