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The Best Budget Massage Guns for Cheap, Effective Recovery

Break up your aches and pains without breaking the bank.

collage of three massage gunsAmazon, Hyperice

By Ben Emminger

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Massage guns have become near must-haves in terms of training gear. It seems everyone has one tucked in their gym bag or stored neatly within their home gym. Yet still, those powerful handhelds can sometimes cost more than your yearly gym membership, making it difficult to really invest in your post-workout recovery.

Products in the Guide

Thankfully, there’s a slew of budget-friendly massage guns on the market that deliver that DOMS-busting power to your regimen, all for under $100. While enticing with the low sticker prices, though, there is some caution that needs to be had when searching through the bargain bin for recovery tools. Sure, you may catch a deal, but will the massage gun have the power, durability and effectiveness to make it a go-to solution months and years down the road?

Well, that’s where we come in.

How We Tested

best budget massage gunsBen Emminger

I’ve run the gambit of massage guns — from the cheap and wallet-friendly to the high-quality yet costly. Across that span, I’ve come in contact with a number of the silhouettes listed in this guide, taking note of how accurate their perceived metrics are along with other components and features including durability, maneuverability and more.

I’ve kept this list to (mostly) massage guns under $100, as I feel that’s the best cut-off to indicate a budget-conscious purchase yet still provide room for quality. Now, let’s hop in and knead out those aches with the best budget massage guns available today.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

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Best Overall Budget Massage Gun

Pros

  • Lightweight, ergonomic profile is easy to grasp and control during treatment

Cons

  • Minimal stall force may be too light for some knots and strains
  • Stall Force: Up to 25 lbs.
  • Amplitude: 10mm
  • Speeds: 5 (1,800–3,200 RPM)

Sure, the stall force is a little lacking, but I’ve had no issues in targeting deep muscle aches with this sleek, compact massage gun from Renpho. The Active profile’s high-torque 150W brushless motor is powerful enough to knead away most knots and strains, and the convenient carrying case helps keep the gun and heads neatly organized when not in use.

renpho active
The Renpho Active also comes with a convenient carrying case for neat and tidy storage.
Ben Emminger

Additionally, the Renpho Active is available with a Heated Attachment that can elevate your recovery regimen for a few extra dollars. I’m perfectly happy with the traditional kit, though; it’s compact enough for easy storage, strong enough for most recovery needs and budget-friendly enough to warrant that extra praise.

Best Upgrade Budget Massage Gun

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty helps instill confidence across the silhouette

Cons

  • Heavier profile can take its toll over extended use
  • Stall Force: Up to 40 lbs.
  • Amplitude: 12mm
  • Speeds: 5 (1,200–2,700 RPM)

Don’t let the bulkier frame of this LifePro Sonic massage gun fool you. There’s still plenty of nimbleness across this profile to suit a bevy of percussion therapy sessions. I also appreciate the lifetime warranty offered for this device, which is a definite rarity when it comes to other recovery tools in this price range.

lifepro sonic
The LifePro Sonic also boasts a removable battery, which can make charging easier (provided you have an extra power source charged and ready).
Ben Emminger

Additionally, this massage gun has an impressive speed range from 1,200–3,000 RPM, but unfortunately, those metrics can be a little difficult to interpret given LifePro’s decision to list the speeds in hertz. Thankfully, however, all working speeds are clearly marked at the base of the massage gun, so there’s no question as to which speed you’re operating at in a given session.

Best Super-Affordable Budget Massage Gun

massage gunAmazon

BEST BUDGET MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Kelices Massage Gun

Pros

  • 12-hour battery helps extend time between charges

Cons

  • Louder operation than others in this guide
  • Stall Force: N/A
  • Amplitude: 12mm
  • Speeds: 30 (1,400–3,200 RPM)

Okay, so if you’re really looking to save some coin yet still want that soothing relief for your muscles and ligaments, consider this impressive setup from Kelices. This wallet-friendly massage gun comes with eight attachments for a variety of treatment areas and sensitivities, and the listed 12mm amplitude is fairly impressive as well. Additionally, the T-shaped profile is easy to handle and control as you target a variety of muscle areas from your shoulders and neck to your calves and feet.

I also appreciate the long-lasting battery of this massage gun, which helps keep the device at the ready without the constant need for a charge between sessions. Granted, this convenience may be trumped by the Kelices Massage Gun’s heightened audio output, but at less than $30, it’s not going to the be perfect solution to your percussion therapy desires.

Best Budget Massage Gun for Reach

Pros

  • Included handle makes this a great pick for lower-back strains

Cons

  • No carrying case included
  • Stall Force: Up to 30 lbs.
  • Amplitude: 8mm
  • Speeds: 4 (1,600–2,600 RPM)

While many massage guns are capable of dealing with all your aches and pains, occasionally those nagging knots can pop up in hard-to-reach areas. Thankfully, this Renpho Extend profile comes equipped with an ergonomic, extended handle perfect for reaching those areas along the spine and middle of the back. I also appreciate how lightweight the entire kit is, which helps take some of the strain away from your wrist as you try to reach for these more intricate treatment areas.

renpho extend
A convenient, angled handle extension makes this massage gun one of the best for targeting back aches and other far-off pains.
Ben Emminger

I also enjoy how the bundle comes with a number of head attachments, perfect for making the most of this silhouette with and without the included extension. While I would appreciate a carrying case — you’ll need to keep the original packaging if you want to keep the charging cord, gun and attachments neatly stored when not in use — this is a prime pick for athletes looking to treat those problem areas without stretching beyond their means.

Most Powerful Budget Massage Gun

Pros

  • Rotating head allows for more versatile treatment

Cons

  • One of the loudest massage guns in this roundup
  • Stall Force: Up to 60 lbs.
  • Amplitude: 16mm
  • Speeds: 6 (500–2,400 RPM)

Massage guns, essentially, have their roots as power tools, and this Vybe V2 silhouette has done little to shed that inspiration through its impressive power and overall looks. I enjoy the three available heads offering a nice mix of surface area, and there’s few profiles offering up this much stall force and amplitude at such an affordable price.

I also appreciate the rotating 90-degree head that gives athletes a mix of approach angles for treatment. This is very reminiscent of the Theragun Pro, one of my favorite massage guns on the market, without the lofty price tag. Granted, there’s little dampening across this silhouette, meaning you’re going to hear every second of treatment — but if your main desire is power, look no further.

Most Portable Budget Massage Gun

Pros

  • Comes with a compact carrying case that fits in nearly every tote or gym bag

Cons

  • Ergonomics may not be the best for every athlete
  • Stall Force: Up to 32 lbs.
  • Amplitude: 7mm
  • Speeds: 5 (1,800–3,000 RPM)

One of the main perks to more budget-friendly massage guns is they often lend themselves to portability, but across the board, I cannot think of a better setup than that of the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini. Not only is this sleek, mini massage gun compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but the entire bundle fits neatly into an included carrying case that’s perfect for throwing in any tote or gym bag for on-the-go relief.

bob and brad q2 mini
The gun itself and all available attachments fit neatly in the included hard case.
Ben Emminger

I also appreciate the USB-C charging capabilities, which keep those charging sessions as efficient as possible. Now, some athletes may not appreciate the egg weight-shaped design of this compact massage gun, but for those wanting premium portability in a well-to-do silhouette, it’s tough to overlook this offering from Bob and Brad.

Most Quiet Budget Massage Gun

Pros

  • Fast speeds, especially for its size and dimensions

Cons

  • Carrying case not included
  • Stall Force: Up to 15 lbs.
  • Amplitude: 6mm
  • Speeds: 4 (1,800–3,200 RPM)

Sure, budget-friendly massage guns often don’t showcase the best motors in the category, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a handful of silhouettes boasting quiet, purring power for blissful relief day in and day out. This compact Recoverfun profile, while lacking some brawn, emits a mere hum compared to other massage guns on the market, resulting in a quiet, non-intrusive experience great for targeting lingering aches. I also appreciate the compact nature of this setup, as the palm-sized design is plenty maneuverable.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a carrying case for this bundle, which limits how portable the gun and included heads are in the long run. If you need a reachable source of relief when taking in your favorite Netflix series, though, this could be the perfect solution that doesn’t break the bank.

Best Budget Massage Gun for Variable Speeds

Pros

  • Clear power and battery readings across the back LCD screen

Cons

  • Carrying case keeps everything in a single pack, but unorganized nonetheless
  • Stall Force: N/A
  • Amplitude: 12mm
  • Speeds: 20 (Up to 3,200 RPM)

I’ll admit, this Toloco profile was one of my first experiences with percussive therapy, and despite my exposure to the higher-quality designs, I still hold this design in high regard. For one, there’s a ton of variety across the speeds ranging upward to 3,200 percussions per minute. Additionally, the larger design is excellent for facilitating a more conscious recovery sessions, since there’s less emphasis put on the compact, portable vibe. This can help get your mind into the notion of actually sitting down and recovering as opposed to just an on-the-go perk.

toloco em26
The T-shaped profile of the EM26 makes it plenty nimble and maneuverable, too.
Ben Emminger

Speaking of on-the-go, this EM26 profile comes with a convenient carrying case, but I would be hard pressed to think of this as anything more than a glorified box. For one, there’s limited cut-outs for the available attachments, meaning most of the accessories are haphazardly stored within the interior once the zipper closes. Additionally, the “hardshell” exterior is not the most sturdy makeup, which could be crushed or falter during extended use.

Best Budget Massage Gun (Slightly) Over $100

Pros

  • Ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand

Cons

  • Only comes with two head attachments
  • Stall Force: Up to 40 lbs.
  • Amplitude: 10mm
  • Speeds: 3 (2,200–3,200 RPM)

If you’re willing (p.s., you should be) to venture into the next echelon of massage guns, this Hypervolt Go 2 is a can’t-miss thanks to its sleek design, excellent battery life and approachable price point. In terms of usage on a weekly basis, I would say this Hyperice profile is my go-to more often than not. The ergonomics are top-notch, and the easy-to-toggle button at the base is extremely intuitive.

hyperice hypervolt go 2
The Hypervolt Go 2 comes equipped with two attachments: one flat head and one “bullet” head.
Ben Emminger

I also appreciate the easy-to-read power ring at the base of the handle, illuminating a clear message as to how much battery life is left. While the Hypervolt Go 2 could be greatly enhanced with a carrying case — along with a few extra attachments — this is still a silhouette that rivals even the top-performing massage guns overall.

The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Massage Guns

So, you may be wondering at this point why more expensive massage guns are even an option in today’s recovery landscape. Well, it comes down to the classic “get what you pay for” motif: while there’s a good bit of worthwhile profiles that come in under $100, more often than not, the performance just isn’t there.

More expensive massage guns often times use more powerful, efficient motors, have better metrics in terms of amplitude and noise output and come equipped with just the right amount of head attachments. It’s not uncommon for cheaper massage guns to try and market their device as “more powerful than industry leaders” when the actual readouts are far less than their advertisements claim. There’s also a tendency for cheap massage guns to try use a wide assortment of head attachments to mask the notion that the gun itself is underperforming.

There’s also a question surrounding durability with cheaper massage guns. The internal motors can have a tendency to wear out quickly through routine use, so you could be looking for a replacement purchase within just a few months. This, along with the other factors listed above, are why budget massage guns need a little more background research before pulling the trigger on a purchase.

What to Look for in a Massage Gun

Speeds

To overcome the less powerful motors and shorter amplitude of the stroke length, most budget massage guns will ramp up the speeds available across their silhouette. Try and find a massage gun that offers at least 3,000 percussions per minute, as this can be a good range to help stimulate the muscles and alleviate pain without revving too high where the profile can’t be controlled within the hand. Of course, though, it’s important to consider this metric in relation to other measurables when it comes to massage guns.

Stall Force

Stall force is how much pressure the motor can withstand while still delivering the desired percussions per minute. Powerful, more efficient massage guns can typically churn out a stall force of up to 50–60 pounds, yet there’s still some worthwhile recovery to be had at lesser values. Most budget-friendly options will fall between 20–50 pounds, so be sure to find a silhouette that gets deep enough into your tissue and musculature for your needs.

Amplitude

Amplitude refers to the stroke length of each percussion, and can greatly influence how deep your treatment feels across your frame. Most worthwhile massage guns will showcase an amplitude between 12–16mm, with cheaper options typically falling between 6–10mm. At lower amplitudes, you’re not necessarily getting percussive therapy but vibration therapy, rather. The attachment cannot travel enough to create the “punchy” sensation associated with the discipline.

It’s best to search for a budget massage gun hovering around 10mm. If you find a profile promising 14mm or more, odds are it’s more of a marketing ploy than an actual, credible reading.

Attachments

It’s common to see budget massage guns offer a wide variety of heads, but quantity does not equate to quality in this scenario. You want to ensure your massage gun offers a mix of soft and hard attachments to allow for treatment across multiple areas of varying sensitivities. Most can accomplish this with jut five heads, with common shapes including a flat, rounded, cushioned, fork and bullet profile. Anything else can be convenient depending on your body shape, but unnecessary nonetheless.

Ergonomics

There’s no sense in purchasing a massage gun that you can’t maneuver and control across your frame post-workout. Be sure to look at the shape and design of your chosen profile to see if has an ergonomic silhouette. Naturally, it can be difficult to completely determine this quality digitally, but key indicators include a compact-yet-reasonably-stout frame, easy-to-toggle buttons and an overall lightweight composition.

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