The Best Massage Guns
Have you ever started a new workout routine only to wake up the next day feeling like you've been hit by a truck? Delayed-onset muscle soreness (also known as DOMS) sets in when we push our bodies to their limits. It's a good sign that a workout was effective, but it can also be a massive pain in the glutes. That's why chiropractors and physical therapists created massage guns. These devices deliver targeted percussive bursts that help break up knots and stimulate muscle recovery. There are tons of options on the market, so we've whittled the list down to the best of the best.
What to Look For
We wanted to find massage guns that would take care of our sore muscles efficiently, so we scanned the market with three questions to guide us: Does it have adjustable settings to help find the sweet spot? Does it have an easy-to-use design? Does it come with any accessories, like interchangeable massage heads? Our top choice came from Mebak, whose design includes all the extras we need, such as a carrying case and several differently-shaped massaging heads. It also comes at a great price. But for those with a bigger budget, the professional massager from Fusion Black Pro is worth every premium penny. Read on for more of our in-depth reviews.
Mebak 3 Massage Gun Percussion Massager
Quick and handy relief
This pick from Mebak is a percussive massager that keeps it light. Indeed, the compact size and 2.1-pound weight are handy features, though you can still achieve deep-tissue massages easily thanks to the five interchangeable speeds. We also love how quiet it is, which is another bonus when massaging on the go. The Mebak 3 comes with a compact carrying case and seven different massage heads, so feel free to tote it with you to the gym or your next yoga class.
Pros:
- The five speeds range from 640 to 3,200 RPM so that you can calibrate the power to your needs.
- The handle makes maneuvering the gun easy and intuitive.
- The digital display informs you of the settings.
- The battery lasts about 3 hours on a single charge.
Cons:
- You have to cycle through all five speeds to switch to a lower speed.
Fusion Black Pro Muscle Massage Gun
Knead like a champ
Not all that glitters is gold, as this black massage gun from Fusion Black Pro demonstrates. It’s a premium pick, so the price is a tad higher than that of many other options on the market. However, the value dwarfs the cost. Lightweight and durable, the Fusion Black Pro offers a whopping 20 different speed levels to help you hit the sweet spot. It’s perfect for using on yourself and light enough to hit those hard-to-reach knots. As a bonus, it comes with a stylish carrying case and a compact charger — this is the professional model, after all.
Pros:
- The lightweight design makes this an exceptionally maneuverable device.
- With a whisper-quiet operation, this gun can stay under 45 dB to keep your massages discreet.
- The powerful, high-torque motor can reach up to 3,300 RPM.
Cons:
- It’s a bit more expensive than most, but the professional quality may be worth it to many.
LifePro Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Juice it up on the fly
This massage gun from Lifepro offers fast charging and excellent battery life. In fact, the rechargeable lithium battery can run for up to six hours on a single charge. We also appreciate that you can choose from five different speed settings if you want to crank up the juice. And not only is the design excellent, but this pick is also built to last a lifetime. Plus, the brushless motor is quiet and powerful.
This option also comes with five interchangeable head shapes, including Round, Spinal, Flat, and Bullet. It’s a fantastic choice for those who plan to massage themselves due to the non-slip ergonomic grip and intuitive button layout.
Pros:
- The motor might be powerful, but it also operates at a surprisingly quiet volume.
- The five interchangeable heads each offer a unique massage.
- The price is an undeniable bargain.
Cons:
- This massaging gun isn’t quite as lightweight as some other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do massage guns work?
If you were to look at the head of a massage gun in slow motion, you would see that the vibration is actually more of a tiny punch repeated hundreds or thousands of times per minute. These little punches send a percussive force into the body to help stimulate blood flow.
As your muscles repair themselves, lactic acid can get trapped in muscle tissue. This lingering lactic acid contributes to soreness. By stimulating blood flow and stretching muscle tissues in sore areas, massage guns are designed to essentially create pathways for lactic acid to drain and for muscles to repair themselves.
Can I use a massage gun on myself?
Absolutely. If you mostly plan on using it on your own body, we suggest a lightweight option since they’re more comfortable to hold at odd angles. Also, be careful not to strain your arm trying to cover hard-to-reach spots, as this may cause damage to the rotator cuff and other ligaments.
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