There are a lot of ways to work out knots, warm up for a workout or speed muscle recovery after one—foam rollers, massage balls and the like—but no tool has gained more popularity than the percussion-powered massage gun. These handheld devices emit forceful, deep hits to muscle tissue at high frequency to release tension and break down soreness. They’re cordless, battery-powered and typically used for both self-massage and delivering therapy to others.
The best massage guns have comfortable handles, multiple head attachments and a range of speeds. They also use quieter motors, reducing the pulsating noise that can disturb those around you while using it. They usually run off of lithium ion batteries, and battery life can vary from two to eight hours depending on the device.
Most of the best massage guns are made of sturdy, premium plastic or metal and include a soft-touch grip. They have customizable, intuitive controls with five or more built-in speeds and Bluetooth app integration to create custom massage routines. They also come with various attachments for targeting different areas of the body, including hard-to-reach spots.
The Theragun Elite is our top pick and a great option for athletes looking to elevate their workouts, but it’s also the most expensive. It’s a step up from Theragun’s Pro and Prime, but still offers an impressive combination of power and features. best massage gun