Massage guns, often referred to as percussion therapy devices, have gained popularity among a wide range of users, from casual gym enthusiasts to professional athletes, doctors, and physical therapists. Dr. Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, shares his enthusiasm for these devices, stating, “As a category, I’m a huge fan of these products, and I think they’ve given patients and providers a new set of options for home care.” Unlike foam rollers, which provide a broader area of relief, these high-frequency, oscillating guns excel at delivering self-myofascial release—essentially allowing users to perform targeted self-massage on specific muscles or muscle groups. Research published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy highlights numerous benefits of percussion therapy, including enhancements in acute muscle strength, explosive muscle strength, flexibility, and a notable reduction in muscular pain.
Toloco’s Massage Gun stood out as the best overall model, combining an impressive range of functionalities at an affordable price. The compact yet powerful Hyperice Hypervolt Go earned the title of runner-up. For those seeking a device from a reputable brand, Therabody’s Theragun Prime claimed the title of best premium massage gun, delivering excellent performance at a higher price point.
Best Overall Massage Gun: Toloco Massage Gun
Pros
Stellar performance at a lower price
20 adjustable speeds
Relatively quiet operation
Long-lasting battery life
Lightweight design
Comes with ten interchangeable heads
Cons
Lesser-known brand with limited reputation
Questionable warranty support
Lacks a wall plug for the charging cord
Exceptional Performance at an Affordable Price
The Toloco Massage Gun stands out as the best overall massage gun, offering exceptional performance and features at an unbeatable price point. It competes head-to-head with more expensive and established models, delivering results that often exceed expectations.
Versatile Speed Settings
One of the most impressive aspects of the Toloco Massage Gun is its versatility, featuring 20 different speed settings accessible via an LED touch screen. This is significantly higher than many comparable devices, which typically offer just three to nine speeds. With a penetration force of 12 millimeters and a powerful motor capable of delivering up to 3,200 percussions per minute, the Toloco allows users to customize their massage experience effectively. This range proved particularly beneficial after longer runs, enabling us to adjust the intensity depending on the targeted muscle group—from intense speeds on the thighs and glutes to gentler settings for more sensitive areas like hamstrings and feet.
Quiet Operation
In terms of noise, the Toloco operates quietly, ranging from 40 to 50 decibels depending on the speed, which is comparable to the sound of a running refrigerator. This makes it suitable for use in shared spaces without disturbing others.
Long Battery Life
The battery life is another standout feature, with Toloco claiming it lasts up to six hours per charge. We found this to be accurate, easily completing 10 sessions without needing a recharge. This convenience is one that many other massage guns simply can’t match, as most only run for about half that time.
Lightweight and Ergonomic Design
Weighing in at just 1.8 pounds, the Toloco is lighter than many competitors, including the popular Theragun Prime. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, even after extended use.
Multiple Attachments for Custom Use
The device includes ten interchangeable head attachments tailored to various body parts, with usage instructions. During our testing, we primarily used three heads: the round head, thumb head, and forkhead, all of which were effective for our needs. The included carrying case keeps everything organized and easily accessible.
Brand Recognition and Support
While Toloco may not yet have the same brand recognition as Therabody or other established names, our hands-on testing confirmed that its performance is on par or even superior to those models. The one-year warranty provides some peace of mind, but it’s worth noting that we did not receive a response from Toloco when we reached out for support, raising some concerns about their customer service.
Additional Considerations
Lastly, while the Toloco comes with a USB-C charging cable, it does not include a wall plug, meaning you’ll need to use one from another device or purchase one separately.
Runner-Up Massage Gun: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
Pros
Compact design with an ergonomic handle
Extremely lightweight at just 1.5 pounds
Reasonably quiet motor
Multiple speed/intensity options
Cons
Only two head attachments are included
Lacks a carrying case or wall plug
Ideal for Portability
The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 stands out as the best compact massage gun option, particularly for those who need something smaller than the Toloco but don’t want to compromise functionality. Its lightweight and portable design makes it perfect for home use and on-the-go muscle relief.
Comfortable Handling
Despite its compact size, the Hypervolt Go 2 features a substantial handle that comfortably accommodates various hand sizes. This ergonomic design allows users to reach difficult areas on the body, such as the mid-back and traps, providing the right amount of pressure even in tricky spots.
Lightweight and Easy to Use
Weighing only 1.5 pounds, the Hypervolt Go 2 is straightforward to hold, even during longer sessions. Users reported no fatigue while using it for 10-plus minutes for pre-and post-workout massages. While the motor is slightly louder than the Toloco, it remains relatively quiet, ensuring you won’t draw unnecessary attention at the gym.
Speed and Battery Life
This massage gun offers three intensity levels, giving you flexibility in how deep you want the massage to be. After a quick one-hour charge, the Hypervolt Go 2 provides an impressive three hours of massage time, making it a reliable option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Limited Attachments
However, it’s worth noting that the Hypervolt Go 2 has only two head attachments: one flat and one bullet-shaped. This limited selection may not cater to all your massage needs. Additionally, it does not include a carrying case, which means while it’s easy to pack into a bag or luggage, you’ll need to find a way to store the attachments securely.
Best Premium Massage Gun: Therabody Theragun Prime
Pros
Trusted brand with a strong reputation
Five adjustable speeds for varying intensity
Multiple intensity levels and four head attachments
Includes a carrying case for easy transport
Bluetooth-compatible with the Therabody app for personalized massage routines
Cons
Higher price point compared to competitors
Heavier weight at 2.2 pounds
Trusted Brand in Percussion Therapy
For those seeking a premium massage gun, the Therabody Theragun Prime is the top recommendation. Recognized as a leader in the industry, Therabody is a trusted name among professional athletes and trainers. As a former Los Angeles Lakers strength and conditioning coach, Sean Light, notes, “In every NBA weight room, you’ll find either the Theragun or the Hypervolt—these are the gold standards.” The Theragun products are renowned for their engineering, thoughtful design, and comprehensive features.
Adjustable Intensity Levels
The Theragun Prime allows users to switch between five different intensity levels. While we appreciated this feature, the highest setting was rarely necessary for most of our massage needs. The gun comes with four different head attachments designed to effectively target various muscle groups, providing versatility for different areas of the body.
Weight and Maneuverability
At 2.2 pounds, the Theragun Prime is on the heavier side compared to other options. However, this weight contributes to a more substantial feel, which many users may appreciate. We found the ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and maneuver, allowing for comfortable use on both yourself and a partner during testing sessions.
Battery Life Considerations
One downside is the two-hour battery life, which is shorter than many competing models. Users may need to recharge it more frequently than desired, especially if planning to use it for extended sessions or on multiple muscle groups.
Smart Features for Personalized Experience
A standout feature of the Theragun Prime is its Bluetooth compatibility with the Therabody app. This app analyzes your activity habits through integrations with Apple Health or Google Fit, allowing it to recommend personalized massage routines tailored to your specific needs. While this feature isn’t essential, it can be particularly helpful for beginners or those looking for guided massage sessions.
Best Compact Massage Gun: Therabody Theragun Mini (2nd Generation)
Pros
Extremely lightweight, under 1 pound
Compact and triangular design for easy handling
Three adjustable speeds
Includes attachments for versatility
Cons
Limited two-hour battery life
Ideal for Trainers and Coaches
The Therabody Theragun Mini (2nd Generation) is an excellent choice for trainers and coaches who need a compact and effective massage tool. Its lightweight design and triangular shape make it easy to maneuver, allowing professionals to apply targeted pressure to specific muscle groups precisely. While we found that models with handles are more comfortable for self-use, the Mini excels in professional settings where portability is critical.
Lightweight and Versatile
Weighing less than a pound, the Theragun Mini offers three-speed settings and various attachments for different massage needs. However, the battery life is limited to just two hours, which could be a drawback for extended use during busy training sessions.
Alternative Option: Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Pros
Five adjustable speeds
Eight attachments for versatility
Longer six-hour battery life
Cons
Heavier at 2.5 pounds
Noisier than other options
If you’re open to a heavier model, the Lifepro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun might be worth considering. Weighing 2.5 pounds, it features five speeds and eight attachments, allowing for a customizable massage experience. However, it is notably noisier than our top picks and can become tiring to use for extended periods.
Other Notable Mentions
The Renpho Active Massage Gun is another contender, weighing just 1.5 pounds and operating at a quiet less than 45 decibels. However, its 2.5-hour battery life is a concern, as it ran out of power during our testing.
Meanwhile, the Vybe Pro offers impressive features with nine speeds and eight head attachments, but its hefty 4.25-pound weight and relatively loud motor at 60 decibels made it less favorable after experiencing quieter models.