If you’re experiencing muscle pain or stiffness, it can be difficult, not to mention expensive, to schedule a professional massage every time you experience discomfort. A muscle massage gun provides a convenient, portable, and cost-effective way to relieve aches and pains from the comfort of your home.
You may also see a muscle massager called a percussion massager or a deep tissue massage gun as these devices provide what is called a percussion or vibration massage. They send rapid bursts of pressure into the muscle tissue, increasing blood flow to that area and reducing inflammation and tension.
If you think you would benefit from a power massager to relieve post-workout pain or persistent muscle soreness, read on to find the best massage guns for deep tissue massage.
1. Theragun Liv Percussion Massager Muscle Stimulator
The Theragun Liv Percussion Massager Muscle Stimulator is the entry-level option from the best brand on the market. It is designed for “essential handling” as opposed to the “premium” and “professional” handling offered by the high-quality percussion gun models.
While not designed to handle serious athletes, the liv is still a remarkably well-made option that is generally one of the main contenders on the scene. This device has a width of 16mm for deep penetration and a maximum force of 30lbs, so it can really fix deep knots and joint pain.
This percussion gun only has a variable speed (40 percussions per second or 2400 percussions per minute) so unfortunately, there are no variable intensity settings. That said, Theragun didn’t go for this particular, scientifically calibrated standard speed intensity for nothing – it’s the right speed for just about any styling treat.
The liv is really perfect for pre and post-workout applications as well as general pleasure massages. It’s perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s work or sitting in an office chair for long hours. No matter where your pain or discomfort comes from, this device is a suitable treatment option.
While the motors, batteries, and pulse heads offered by Theragun are all of the highest quality, the brand REALLY excels with its ergonomic, super easy to operate designs. The liv has a triangular handle that allows it to effectively treat hard-to-reach areas such as the lower back and weighs just 2.5 pounds.
There are not many percussion guns that you can pamper yourself with so easily, so we wanted to emphasize how revolutionary the ergonomics of this model (and of the brand as a whole) are. Also, Theragun has supplied two different pulse heads with the liv: a standard ball and a shock absorber for smaller versus larger muscle sets.
Finally, Theragun offers a one-year warranty on this product, so you can shop with peace of mind knowing you’re not buying an untrustworthy product. Plus, the brand has an excellent reputation for customer service and stands behind their product – with these guys, you get what you pay for.
While this may seem like a high price for a percussion massage gun with a single work speed and a maximum force of 30 pounds, you will understand the cost immediately after your first treatment. Theragun manufactures high-quality scientifically designed massage guns, so you can be sure to get the best price when looking for the best brand.
Benefits:
- 30 lbs maximum force and 16 mm amplitude
- Scientifically calibrated standard speed operates at 40 beats per second
- The ergonomic triangular handle design allows you to effectively treat hard-to-reach areas such as the lower back
- The lightweight (2.5 kg) and compact frame is particularly suitable for traveling and easy to store
- Two different heads are included (shock and standard ball)
- Built-in battery
- Includes travel pouch
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive option
- Only one signing speed
- The battery life of 45 minutes is not very impressive
2. Theragun G3 Percussion Therapy Device
The Theragun G3 Percussion Therapy Device is our best choice for percussion guns based on motor and battery quality. It also features an ergonomic handle for easy self-handling, scientifically calibrated intensities, and a one-year warranty.
This is Theragun’s choice of a “top-notch” treatment, so if you are looking for a high-quality device to enhance your exercise routine or treat more severe chronic pain, this is a great option.
This device really has it, without hitting the brand’s top price. The G3 has a peak force of 40 lbs and a 16mm wingspan, so this bad boy will really break even the tightest of uncooperative knots.
With 40 pounds of force, you can actually lean into a massage gun without the engine stalling, so those who really want to hammer their affected muscles will look for an option of this strength or higher. Alternatively, if you have more flesh on your bones than the average person, a percussion massage gun with this amount of maximum force (and amplitude) is essential to penetrate the muscles deep enough.
Two different stroke speeds have been designed to treat deep muscles (2400 ppm) and more sensitive painful areas (1740 ppm), allowing you to customize the application of this device more than the Theragun liv.
Four different pulse heads are also included here, so you can target any set of muscles with an accessory specially designed for the right treatment. The standard headstock and shock are great for bigger, wider muscle sets, while the thumb and cone pulse heads are particularly piercing for treating those hard knots and joint pain.
Best of all, Theragun’s ergonomic multi-grip allows fantastic manipulation for hard-to-reach areas such as the shoulder blades and lower back. So many percussion massage guns on the market aren’t built with an emphasis on personal handling and don’t allow you to effectively treat some of the most important points on your body – Theragun has made sure you can hit all the bases with! Is!
Also, the brand offers a travel case for easy storage and transport, as well as a one-year warranty, making the G3 from great value to an exceptional one.
Benefits:
- 40 pounds maximum force and 16mm amplitude
- 4 professional accessories (shock, standard ball, thumb, cone)
- Ergonomic multi-grip provides great manipulation to treat hard to reach areas
- 2 variable speeds: standard, deep treatment speed, and a lighter speed for more sensitive and painful areas
- Includes travel pouch
Cons:
- Expensive option
- Restrictions to be weighed at 2.7 pounds; fortunately, the carrying handle is ergonomically designed for easy handling
- 60 minutes of battery life isn’t terribly impressive for the cost
3. Theragun G3PRO Percussion Therapy Device
In our opinion, the Theragun G3PRO Percussion Therapy Device is the best performing percussion massage gun on the market today.
This is the brand’s choice of “professional level” treatments, so if you’re a serious athlete looking for the best in percussion therapy, look no further. The G3PRO has a peak force of 60 pounds and an amplitude of 16mm – this thing is an absolute human jackhammer that you can REALLY lean on for a really deep tissue massage.
When it comes to deep muscle penetration, it’s all about maximum power and range, and the G3PRO offers the best stats in both divisions and features a premium motor, battery system, and brand warranty.
You can’t go wrong with this option, although we recognize that the price is high. The good news is, a two-year warranty ensures that you get your money’s worth with this percussion therapy device.
By far the best feature of the G3PRO (aside from its powerful strength and width) is the 90-degree adjustable arm and ergonomic multi-grip that really allows excellent handling for hard-to-reach places. Very few percussion massage guns allow you to really adjust the orientation of the pulsating head for self-treatment of hard-to-reach places – Theragun has made sure you can hit all the points you need with this one.
While all of the brand’s available models have been carefully constructed with excellent ergonomics for easy operation, nothing comes close to the versatility of the G3PRO’s four adjustable arm positions.
Two interchangeable batteries last up to 75 minutes each, giving a total battery life of 150 minutes, which isn’t bad at all considering the raw power of this option. Theragun has also included 6 Pro accessories with this device (Shock, Big Ball, Standard Ball, Wedge, Thumb, Cone), so you have a pulsating head for every set of muscles.
The only real flaw of the G3PRO is the 2 limited variable speeds (default 2400ppm and responsive 1740ppm). In fact, these two speeds are all you really need for a full spectrum of muscle treatments; after all, they are specifically scientifically calibrated. That said, it’s still nice to have the option to further tweak intensity settings, so if you’re looking for a pleasure massage device rather than a professional treatment, you might be better off with a cheaper option with speeds. More variables.
Benefits:
- 60 pounds of peak force and 16mm of amplitude – Theragun’s high quality, professional treatment
- Two interchangeable batteries run for 75 minutes each with a total battery life of 150 minutes
- A 90-degree adjustable arm and ergonomic multi-grip provide great manipulation to treat hard to reach areas
- Includes 6 professional accessories (shock, big ball, standard ball, wedge, thumb, cone)
- Includes travel pouch
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons:
- Expensive option
- Quite heavy with a weight of 3.1 pounds means you can feel tired during extended use depending on the strength of the arm
- Only two variable speeds: standard (2400ppm), sensitive (1740ppm)
4. VYBE Percussion Massage Gun
The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is arguably one of the best-priced percussion massage devices in general for deep penetrating massage due to its maximum force of 60 pounds and 16mm width.
If you’re looking for a massager for a particularly deep treatment, but don’t have the money to buy a strong, widespread brand like Theragun, this is the ideal percussion gun for budget buyers.
As with the Theragun G3PRO, this option is built with a 90-degree rotating massage arm and ergonomic handle that allows you to effectively reach body parts such as the upper and lower back without straining.
There are six variable speeds to customize your treatment and three interchangeable massage tips for a more specific muscle-focused power. This is an impressively versatile, robust option at a price that rivals the best in the industry – the variety of variable speeds and pulse head accessories are worth the price alone, even if this massage gun had half power/amplitude.
Two interchangeable lithium batteries are included, each with a battery life of 45-60 minutes, so you’ve got quite a bit of total battery life here. Plus, the brand has included a travel case, so it’s perfectly reasonable to take this device with you to the gym or on a trip.
This device is truly a high-quality percussion massage device disguised as an affordable option. This product even comes with a one-year warranty! All things considered, the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is undoubtedly one of the best options available on the market that budget buyers will love to discover.
Benefits:
- 6 variable speeds with a maximum force of 60 pounds
- With a 90-degree rotating massage arm and ergonomic handle, you can treat hard-to-reach body parts
- 16 mm width penetrates deep into muscle tissue
- Contains two interchangeable lithium batteries, each with a runtime of 45-60 minutes
- Includes 3 interchangeable massage tips
- Includes travel pouch
Cons:
- Quite loud at 60 to 80 decibels compared to some high-end options
- Not capable of higher percussion speeds (3000+), it only works at 2400 percussions per minute on the highest setting
- Quite heavy at 2lb, 5oz, and therefore a bit tiring to use alone for a long time
5. VYBE X Percussion Massage Gun
The VYBE X Percussion Massage Gun is a recently updated version of the VYBE listed above that offers even higher peak power, longer battery life, and a much quieter running motor.
While it is significantly more expensive than the original VYBE and fairly comparable in design and features, this is an almost equally impressive value when considering upgrades.
With over 60 pounds of peak force, 16mm amplitude, and five speeds with a peak intensity of 3,000 percussions per minute, the VYBE X really has it all. Battery life has also been extended to five hours, including two removable lithium-ion batteries.
The best (depending on who you are): This unit only works at 50 decibels, quieter than the original VYBE. This makes it more suitable for use in public places such as the gym, while your roommate does not go crazy during use at home.
The VYBE X, like the original, has a 90-degree adjustable massage arm that is much easier to handle and allows for self-treatment than most competitors. It’s a truly revolutionary feature that sets both the VYBE and VYBE X apart from the crowd.
While a fairly expensive option for a percussion massage gun, this is a unit of excellent value when its features and price are compared to top-tier competitors such as Theragun. If you are looking for a powerful percussion massager with high maximum power and amplitude, this is your best option before entering the realm of the big market cost.
Benefits:
- Over 60 pounds of maximum strength and 16mm width for a really deep and penetrating massage.
- 5 speeds with a maximum intensity of 3,000 percussions per minute
- Contains 7 specific massage accessories for each muscle set
- Two interchangeable batteries for a total battery life of 5 hours
- 50 decibels of sound output is reasonable for such a powerful unit (significantly quieter than the previous VYBE model)
- Includes travel pouch
- Customer warranty – Warranty against product defects
Cons:
- Fairly expensive option
- While this device is very easy to hold and manipulate for self-treatment, it is quite heavy for long-term use on certain hard-to-reach muscle sets.
- You must remove the batteries from the stimulator to charge
6. DamKee Professional Deep Tissue Massager
The DamKee Professional Deep Tissue Massager is a wonderful economical option with amazing variable speeds and a width of 16mm for a variety of deep tissue massage treatments with varying intensities.
This device has 20 different intensities up to 3200ppm, so you can really customize your percussion massage style here. With an included travel case and up to six hours of battery life, this option is also a great option for on-the-go massage treatments at the gym or elsewhere for those looking for an option that can take them on the go and charge them to a minimum.
The brand’s exclusive Quiet Glide technology and high-torque 24 V brushless motor also makes this a nice and quiet option, so you can be sure it won’t disturb your entire family or gym members when using this tool.
A high-definition LCD screen displays frequency and power, so controlling all variable settings is easy.
The only real disadvantage of this device is that it is difficult to treat your own back due to the compact and shorter design. You need a partner to train your shoulder blades and lower back, but otherwise, you can use all your other muscles on your own.
With a one-year warranty included, you can shop with confidence knowing you’re covered in the event of a faulty or defective product. For the price, it’s hard to beat the variable speed setting and high amplitude of this great budget option from DamKee.
Benefits:
- 20 adjustable speeds with an amplitude of up to 16 mm with a speed of up to 3200 beats per minute
- Unique Quiet Glide technology and high torque 24 V brushless motor
- Battery life up to six hours
- Exclusive Quiet Glide technology and high torque 24 V brushless motor provide impressively low noise levels (35dB – 55dB)
- Compact and highly portable design
- High-definition LCD screen displays frequency and power
- Includes travel pouch
- One year warranty
Cons:
- The design makes it difficult to treat hard-to-reach areas such as the lower back without assistance.
- Fairly expensive option
- Customer complaints about long battery and motor life – this device is more vulnerable than major competitors
7. ABOX 20-speed percussion massage gun – Alternative
The ABOX 20 Speed Percussion Massage Gun is a brilliant and affordable option for those looking for a less intense massage tool for pre-workout applications and general stress relief.
While the 10mm width (the distance the percussion massage head slides forward) isn’t as deep as some of the 16mm taller options, don’t rule this out when it comes to delivering a powerful and powerful message. It features an impressive 3300 percussions per minute and four different massage heads, so this unit will really take advantage of all of your high voltage areas, it just doesn’t have the maximum power and powerful amplitude that high-performance brands offer.
Those looking for a reliable tool for luxury massage and general muscle prep and recovery post and post-workout should definitely have this option on their radar when shopping on a budget.
With up to 5 hours of running time and 20 different speeds, you can give yourself or others a fairly long variable massage. The device is also compact and lightweight, so your arms won’t tire of holding it in just a few minutes.
The LCD screen is simple and clear, so operation is a breeze. Also, ABOX has built this option with a particularly quiet brushless motor, which emits only 50 decibels at the highest setting. This means that you will not disturb other gym visitors while using this tool in your public workout area, or your partner/family if you are pampering yourself while watching TV.
All things considered, if you’re looking for a simple yet reliable percussion massager for more casual sports and luxury applications, this is a great option with some impressive features and capabilities for the price!
Benefits:
- 20 variable speeds and a maximum speed of 3,300 percussions per minute
- 4 massage heads for different muscle groups
- Up to 5 hours of run time
- The LCD screen is simple and clear
- A lower amplitude (10 mm) and a higher percussion speed (3300 percussions per minute) make this an especially good option for stimulating muscles before training.
- Very quiet option: the brushless motor is only 50 decibels
- Includes travel pouch
- Very affordable option
Cons:
- 10mm width is not powerful for deep penetration massage compared to some more expensive units
- Difficult to treat in hard-to-reach areas such as shoulder blades and lower back on your own
- If you apply too much pressure, the percussion gun may stop
8. Rooftree R20 massage gun – Alternative
The Rooftree R20 massage gun is an intermediate option with four variable speeds from 1930 to 3400 RPM and an impressive 50-pound maximum power/torque.
This option is only 10mm wide, so you can’t achieve the same level of deep, penetrating massage as you can with wider width options in the 14-16mm range. That said, you can still give a quality massage with this tool, especially if you’re a leaner, leaner person who doesn’t have a lot of meat on the bones to explode.
With three custom aluminum alloy massage heads, you can apply your favorite massage creams or essential oils while using this device instead of non-metallic percussion heads. This may or may not be a selling point for everyone, but those who like to apply certain massage aids will love the opportunity to use this percussion massager in conjunction with their favorite products.
The 2,600 mAh battery can power the R20 for up to eight hours, making this a tool that will effectively stay charged in your gym bag during many workouts if you plan to use it outdoors. The included practical travel case ensures that your massager stays safe and away during transport.
Fairly affordable, powerful for its compact size and can be used in conjunction with your favorite essential oils and massage aids, the Rooftree R20 is a great option for those looking for a simple percussion massager with that little bit of extra flair.
Benefits:
- Max. Power of 50 pounds and an amplitude of 10 mm
- Four adjustable speed levels from 1930 to 3400 RPM
- Works for up to eight hours on a single charge
- The maximum setting is 55 decibels, so this is a quiet massage gun to use in an environment where you don’t want to disturb your surroundings.
- Includes three custom aluminum alloy massage heads that can be used in essential oil treatments
- Includes travel pouch
- Includes one-year product warranty
Cons:
- Includes only three main accessories
- The compact design and lack of ergonomic grip make it difficult to treat hard-to-reach areas such as the shoulder blades and lower back
- The quite high price for a massage gun that is only 10mm wide
Massage Gun Buying Guide
Technology
A massage gun may seem like a more suitable DIY electric tool, but it can soothe and relieve muscle aches and pains, much like a massage chair cushion.
It works through the use of percussion or vibration therapy, which delivers rapid bursts of pressure in the muscle tissue.
This increases blood flow to the area, relieves any inflammation, and helps disperse exercise waste products that may have accumulated in the muscles.
The body of a massage gun contains a motor that drives the vibration, and most models have different settings to control the speed and strength of the oscillation.
The massage heads attached to the gun transfer this vibration to the skin, where it travels to the tissue.
Motor power
As we explained earlier, the motor drives the vibration that makes a massage gun work.
The more powerful the motor, the more powerful the massage it can give. Massage guns tend to use brushless motors.
Although they are initially more expensive than a brushed motor, they offer several advantages.
They are more accurate and therefore more efficient and, most importantly, they produce less noise. They are also easier to cool and you will find that many massage guns have vents to cool the motor so it can continue to operate effectively.
Speed setting
The speed settings on a massage gun determine how powerful the massage will be. Slower speeds provide a gentle massage that is great for relaxing the muscles and can also be used to warm up the muscles before a workout.
Higher speeds provide a more vigorous deep tissue massage, and these can help relieve areas of pain or tension. When you first start using a massage gun, it’s wise to start with lower settings and work your way up to assess your tolerance.
Faster speeds may be better suited for professional athletes.
The number of speed settings you can choose from varies from model to model. Some may have as few as three or five, others may have as many as 30.
Head Attachment
Head attachment is attached to the body of a massage gun to massage directly onto the skin or can be worn over clothing. Since muscles around the body vary in size and shape, different headgear helps to tailor the massage to your needs.
Most massage gun models have a large round ball mount that is ideal for use on large flat muscle areas. Small cone-shaped accessories can be targeted to a smaller area for specific pain relief. Another common type of accessory is a U-shaped head that can be worn around the neck or along the spine.
You can experiment with the best combinations of speed settings and headgear that work for you in different situations.
Battery life
Massage guns are cordless, so portable, and easy to use on the whole body, so they run on batteries, usually with a rechargeable lithium battery.
To avoid having to recharge the battery after each use, the amount of use of a charge and the time it takes to charge the battery are important to you.
Battery life will depend on the settings you are using, as faster speeds consume more power than slower speeds. There are many models with a battery life of between 5 and 8 hours, allowing you to use the gun for about a week between charges.
Look for options with a battery indicator light that will alert you when the battery is low.
Price range
As with many devices, the price of massage guns depends on several factors, including design, build quality, and the number of features on offer.
Entry-level models can be priced around $ 80 or possibly less, with costs ranging up to several hundred dollars for more advanced options.
There are plenty of mid-range options that are affordable but come with a good range of features.
Benefits of Using a Percussion Massage Gun
Percussion massage therapy has unlimited benefits that can very well change your quality of life.
Athletes who take their training seriously are likely to see improvements in the effectiveness of their workouts after applying percussion therapy before and after training.
People who suffer from chronic muscle and joint pain due to pre-existing injuries, overuse at work, or during recreation will find that repetitive impact massage is an absolute game-changer when it comes to breaking knots, relieving muscle tension and in general. pain control.
The powerful and rapid pulsating effect of this massage style penetrates much more deeply than traditional methods and devices, offering many of the same benefits, but in a much shorter and more effective treatment.
This type of massage tool is credited with a long list of general and muscle health benefits:
- Instant relief from pain
- Work the muscle knots
- Stretches muscle tissue
- Relieves tight joints
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved recovery and muscle growth after training.
- Releases lactic acid from muscles after exercise.
- The improved general range of motion
The list goes on as you continue to research percussion massage therapy, but the benefits listed above are the most powerful and compelling.
Best Quality Percussion Massage Guns
If you’re looking for the best of the best, there are some top-rated options to choose from.
Not all percussion massagers are created equal – the best options have high amplitudes (usually 16mm) for deeper muscle penetration, higher peak force (40-60 pounds) to handle higher pressures and high top speeds. (3000 + ppm) for increased overall muscle stimulation.
The best percussion massage guns often have a variety of pulse head mounts and different speeds, but the main factors that reflect higher-quality drives are peak power, amplitude, and peak speed, so while all the bells and whistles are beautiful on certain models, not necessarily a reflection of quality.
Serious athletes and those with more severe chronic pain should overlook options that do not meet the quality criteria listed above.
Our verdict
The design of the massage guns we reviewed was very similar, so our review focused mainly on features and factors such as battery life.
All massage guns listed in this article are the best for deep tissue massage. They are a great way to test the benefits of a massage gun for yourself at a reasonable price.