Massage guns, also called percussive massagers, have risen in popularity the last few years. According to many consumers, they’re the preferred method to relieve muscle tension and soreness at home. But are they worth it?
It depends. Some people say they’re not worth the investment, since they’re expensive and may not deliver the relief you need. Others say massage guns end up being much cheaper than getting professional massages.
Massage guns deliver relief with rapid pulses or vibrations that boost blood flow to muscles. After repeated impact, muscles warm up, relieving tension or soothing cramping.
Many massage guns come with attachment heads for targeted massage. A wedge head, for example, is used for scraping shoulder blades, while a ball head targets larger muscle groups.
Most massage guns are cordless and run on rechargeable batteries. Depending on the device, their batteries may offer up to four hours of mixed use. This is different from continuous runtime, in which most massage guns only run for about 20 minutes at a time.
Massage guns are appreciated for their user-friendly design. Some even have companion apps for in-depth guidance on massage techniques, as well as muscle targeting or attachment head use.
In the long run, massage guns end up being more cost-effective than getting professional massages. The average professional massage costs $60-$150 for a 60-minute session. Massage guns cost $150-$500 to purchase and own. It only takes a handful of uses for a massage gun to emerge as a cheaper alternative.
Massage guns offer a controlled, customized experience. Many are equipped with a variety of speed and pulse settings. It’s also common for massage guns to come with up to six attachments for targeted massage of specific muscle groups or body parts.
Massage guns are more portable than many other types of massagers, such as cushion massagers. Not only are they cordless, their compact designs make them travel-friendly. Many massage guns include carry cases as well.
Some people feel having to operate their massage guns detracts from the overall therapeutic experience. Instead, they prefer what professional massages offer in total relaxation and relief.
A professional massage also is more comprehensive. Massage guns are somewhat limited in their capabilities, while a licensed massage therapist may offer deeper, more dynamic massage.
Massage guns are compact, so users need to stretch, bend or contort to cover hard-to-reach areas. It’s more difficult to use a massage gun on the back, so many people need to enlist the help of a partner to use the device in these areas.
Since massage guns cost $150-$600, they’re not within everyone’s budget. If users don’t plan on using their massage gun on a regular basis, they may end up wasting money.
Massage guns are a smart buy for people who expect to use them frequently to relieve muscle tension, soreness and cramps. While most often used by performance athletes and active individuals, they’re just as useful for other types of needs.
[ Theragun G3PRO ]
This premium massage gun is feature-rich, with an ergonomic design, six foam attachments and an adjustable arm for hard-to-reach areas. Each pulse delivers up to 60 pounds of force.
[ iReliev Percussion Massage Gun ]
The battery for this affordable massage gun offers four hours of runtime. It operates more quietly than comparable models and weighs less than 2 pounds.
[ PlayMakar MVP Percussion Massager ]
With nine rubber heads, this massage gun delivers a customized therapeutic experience. It has a brushless motor for quiet operation at approximately 45 decibels.
[ Hyperice Hypervolt Bluetooth Percussion Massager ]
A popular mid-range option, this Bluetooth massage gun is controlled through the Hyperice app. Users can adjust settings to target specific muscle groups or body parts.
[ Theragun Mini (2nd Generation) ]
Appreciated for its travel-friendly design, this massage gun is great for relieving cramps and soreness on the go. It has three-speed settings and its rechargeable battery lasts up to 150 minutes.
[ TheraGun Elite ]
This dynamic massage gun has three arm angles to cover hard-to-reach areas, head to toe. It has five speed settings and comes with five attachments.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
