Sore Muscles? Here Are the Best Massage Guns on Amazon

The highs of working out often come with the lows: fatigue, muscle soreness and tightness. Luckily, your post-workout doesn’t have to feel this way. Massage guns have gained massive popularity in the past few years, and for good reason — they’re affordable, portable and provide (almost) instant relief after an intense workout. From the most advanced to the entry-level, here are the best massage guns you can buy on Amazon.

A Quick Download on DOMS

Believe it or not, that achy feeling you experience days after a hard – or brand-new – workout has a name. Delayed-Onset Muscle Syndrome, or DOMS, is the pain experienced after training. These aches typically show up 12 to 24 hours after a workout, peaking about three days after the initial activity and easing up thereafter. While some wear these DOMS as a badge of honor, they can sideline us from our favorite fitness routines, leaving us to deal with tender muscles, a decreased range of motion and other symptoms.

Percussive massage guns can be a great way to defend against the dreaded DOMS, particularly with post-workout recovery routines. Massage guns work by increasing blood flow to the targeted area, stimulating the muscles through rapid tapping and deep penetration, similar to the Swedish massage technique of tapotement.

Which Head Attachment Should You Use for Which Modality?

One of the perks of percussive massage guns is their plethora of head attachments that suit multiple recovery needs and routines. You can cater each attachment to a specific need, from larger heads covering wider surface areas to smaller attachments for precise, fine-tuning therapy.

While there’s no wrong answer when it comes to getting that deep-tissue treatment – and each brand offers its own individual package of attachments – here are five common head styles to look for when choosing your massage gun.

• Cushioned – Great for novice users just getting used to percussive therapy. It can also be a great option for sensitive areas, such as the neck.
• Ball/Round – Less rigid than other options, this attachment style can be a great warmup tool, combining the benefits of large surface coverage without the precision of narrower tools.
• Flat – A true workhorse, the flat head can be great for attacking large muscle areas, like the thighs and calves, in less time. Plenty of vibration and little give; expect to see some serious action with the flat attachment.
• Fork/Spine – An attachment style more catered to a specific area, the fork attachment can be perfect for spinal percussive therapy, working both sides of the spinal column at once. Some brands offer an arched head that works in a similar fashion, without the gap in-between the two narrow prongs.
• Bullet/Thumb – If you want to really dig into those knots and aches, this is the head to choose. A narrow design allows for optimal precision, but this pinpoint treatment can be a little much, especially for inexperienced users. It’s best to start slow and work your way up to this attachment style.

How to Choose a Massage Gun on Amazon

Navigating product pages on the massive retailer can be a convoluted conundrum at times, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. Below are a handful of specs and statistics worth mining when looking for a massage gun on Amazon.

Key Specs

Like any motorized tool, there are some measurements you want to be mindful of when choosing the right massage guns for your needs. Stall force is the amount of pressure that can be applied to the gun itself before it bogs down, i.e., how much you can push into a muscle before the gun stops working. Amplitude, on the other hand, is how far the head moves back and forth in one percussion. Higher stall forces indicate a stronger, more resilient motor, while longer amplitude measurements showcase a gun that’s more capable of reaching deeper into the muscle for treatment.

You’ll also want to locate your massage gun’s available speeds when deciphering product descriptions. This is typically given in a range of RPM, along with how many toggles the device offers across this spectrum. Quality massage guns typically feature a max speed of anywhere from 2,500–3,200 RPM, so look for models that have a top end around this measurement.

While many quality massage guns do list all of these statistics within their product descriptions, some require a little more digging. Don’t fret, though — we’ve done the homework and included these key metrics for each of the top picks below.

Battery Life

When choosing a massage gun on Amazon, you also want to consider the battery life of the device. After all, percussive therapy sort of loses its relieving qualities if your tools are underpowered before you get into a session. Look for massage guns that are capable of multiple hours of continuous runtime. This should be enough to power multiple sessions in a week without the need for multiple charges in-between.

Attachments

As stated above, having a good mix of available attachments can keep you better equipped to target the myriad of aches and pains that can pop up throughout your fitness journey. Be sure to look at the styles of heads included with the massage gun to see if they’re right for your personal needs. We recommend searching for devices offering between 4–5 attachments. This keeps your kit versatile enough for treatment without cluttering up your carrying case or storage space with a slew of unused plastic heads.

Ergonomics

One of the benefits of massage guns is that they can be utilized across many muscle areas, but that range of coverage can be quickly cut down if you can’t get to them in the first place. This comes down to how lightweight the device is, as well as how comfortable and maneuverable it is in your hands. This can be a little difficult to determine through a screen, but good indicators of an ergonomic build include an angled handle, lightweight frame or included extensions to help you reach far-off areas like the middle of your back and spine.

How We Tested

Amazon

BEST OVERALL MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Renpho R3 Active Massage Gun

• $70.00 at Amazon
  $110.00 (36% off)

• Stall Force: Up to 25 lbs.
• Amplitude: 10mm
• Speeds: 5 (1,800–3,200 RPM)

Thanks to a high-torque 150W brushless motor, this compact massage gun can provide excellent power when it comes to kneading away those irritating DOMS. Despite the 25-pound stall force, we found no issues when painting across our muscles post-workout. Plus, a convenient carrying case keeps all the available attachments neatly stored, making it easier to toss this impressive massage gun in a gym bag or tote for on-the-go relief.

If you’re looking for a quick addition to your Amazon cart, especially when rounding out your setup for a year’s worth of fitness progress, be sure to include this sleek, impressive massager on your list before checkout.

Amazon

BEST UPGRADE MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Ekrin B37S

• $330.00 at Amazon

• Stall Force: Up to 56 lbs.
• Amplitude: 12mm
• Speeds: 5 (2,000–3,200 RPM)

If you’re looking for a massage gun that rivals plenty of the big brands, look no further than this silhouette from Ekrin. The B37S features an ergonomic handle angled at 15º for a more natural grip, which is great for keeping treatments comfortable from start to finish. Our tester also appreciated the reactive force meter at the top of the device, which provided an easy-to-read visual for how intense they were actually going in a particular muscle.

There’s also plenty of muscle baked into this impressive machine with a stall force of up to 56 pounds and effective 12mm amplitude. We did find the overall silhouette to be a little top heavy, however, when gripping the handle more toward the base. This left us a little uncomfortable when trying to reach the middle of our back or hamstrings. For everything else, though, this is one fantastic option worth considering.

Amazon

BEST BUDGET MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Kelices Percussion Massager

• $22.00 at Amazon
  $40.00 (45% off)

• Stall Force: N/A
• Amplitude: 16mm
• Speeds: 30 (1,400–3,200 RPM)

This massage gun from Kelices takes a similar T-style profile found in many percussive therapy devices and ramps up the versatility. Featuring 30 available speeds and 15 attachments for a myriad of muscle areas, routines and more, the opportunities are seemingly endless.

The LCD back display is easily readable, showcasing both battery life and speed levels. And with 16 mm of amplitude, the Kelices Percussion Massager can provide one of the deepest penetrations on our list. At less than $50, this can be a great percussive therapy introduction without the weight of a larger investment.

Amazon

MOST ERGONOMIC MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Therabody Theragun Elite

• $349.00 at Amazon
  $399.00 (13% off)

• Stall Force: Up to 40 lbs.
• Amplitude: 16mm
• Speeds: 5 (1,750–2,400 RPM)

Thanks to quality designs and revolutionary breakthroughs, Therabody is one of the most recognized names in recovery, and its Theragun Elite model lives up to the hype. The proprietary QX65 motor maintains a quiet yet powerful massage, and the internal lithium-ion battery doubles the life of the gun, up to two hours of continuous use.

Also, the Theragun Elite is Bluetooth compatible and can be paired with the Therabody app for an expanded range of guided routines, personalized wellness protocols and more. Our tester thoroughly enjoyed this feature, as it took the guesswork out of various treatments and allowed them to paint away their aches without much thought.

While we do admire the Elite’s composition, we found ourselves often opting for the more premium Pro model, thanks to its adjustable head angle and quieter motor.

For an in-depth look, read our comparison of the Theragun Elite and Theragun Mini.

Amazon

BEST THERAGUN ALTERNATIVE ON AMAZON

Bob and Brad D6 Pro

• $250.00 at Amazon

• Stall Force: Up to 85 lbs.
• Amplitude: 16mm
• Speeds: 6 (1,500–2,500 RPM)

While we admire the Theragun Elite for its ergonomic, triangle-shaped design, there are other silhouettes that can provide a similar experience at more approachable price points. We really enjoyed the trapezoidal profile of the D6 Pro, and the convenient head toggle allows for a wide range of approach angles that closely resembles Therabody’s flagship Pro lineup.

Plus, we also found this massage gun to be surprisingly quiet, even when ramped up to its maximum 2,500 rpm speed. There’s a lot to like about this less recognizable Amazon find, but we wouldn’t say it completely replaces our Theragun for a handful of reasons. The most noticeable pitfall of this massage gun is the lack of a companion app, eliminating any chances of guided recovery sessions.

Amazon

MOST PORTABLE MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Yunmai Cosy Care Mini

• $120.00 at Amazon

• Stall Force: Up to 26.4 lbs.
• Amplitude: N/A
• Speeds: 4 (1,000–3,200 RPM)

With a palm-sized profile and easy-to-tote, egg-shaped carrying case, the Cosy Care Mini is a great solution for on-the-go relief. We admired how simple it was to maneuver this massage gun across multiple areas for stimulating sessions, and the three massage heads provided a variety of experiences for fine-tuned recovery.

Additionally, an Intelligent Strength Adjustment reacts to how much pressure you place on a muscle area, delivering the optimal speed for continued performance. Does this gun pack as much punch as its bulkier competition? No. Does it fit neatly in a gym bag or purse for travel-ready relief? Resoundingly, yes.

Amazon

BEST MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON FOR BACK AND SPINE RELIEF

Brazyn Talon Massager

• $189.00 at Amazon
  $239.00 (21% off)

• Stall Force: Up to 30 lbs.
• Amplitude: 12.5mm
• Speeds: 4 (2,150–3,200 RPM)

Some aches and knots can be a little trickier to target, especially with short-handled profiles. The Talon from Brazyn, gives that extra reach thanks to a convenient arm attachment. We really like how easy it was to target the middle of our back, and also enjoyed the massage hook accessory for when those pesky knots didn’t require a full-fledged percussive therapy regimen.

Be mindful, though, that it can be difficult to apply pressure at times when using the Brazyn Talon in tandem with its arm extension. Our tester noted that the geometry simply doesn’t support the ability to really dig into problem areas, unless you wield the massager from its normal handle.

Amazon

BEST MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON FOR VARIABLE SPEEDS

Toloco EM26

• $50.00 at Amazon
  $76.00 (34% off)

• Stall Force: N/A
• Amplitude: 12mm
• Speeds: 20 (Up to 3,200 RPM)

Not too pricey, not too cheap. Toloco’s massage gun lands in the middle of the pack, and provides just what you need without frills or distractions. A high-power 24-volt brushless motor powers you through the 20 (yes, 20) available speeds with ease. Combine this with a whopping 10 available attachments and you could have a unique recovery session for over 1,000 days with the options the EM26 offers up.

We did find the silicone handle, while comfortable to the touch, to be a little cumbersome, however, which can put some strain on the wrist during long sessions and might not be the best option for those with smaller hands.

Amazon

MOST READABLE LED SCREEN ON AMAZON

Fusion Black Pro

• $100.00 at Amazon
  $200.00 (50% off)

• Stall Force: Up to 50 lbs.
• Amplitude: 15mm
• Speeds: 20 (Up to 3,300 RPM)

Fusion gives you relief from your intense workouts, without breaking the bank. The Japanese brushless motor provides 3,300 percussions per minute without sounding like a mini-jackhammer. The handle is angled at 12 degrees for a more ergonomic feel, and the clear LED back display provides plenty of information in the form of a numerical speed level, a speed level ring and battery level ring.

We enjoyed the convenient in-hand feel and enjoyed the plethora of available heads, but one thing to note is that this massage gun carries a rattling haptic in-use. The attachments don’t sit as securely in the shaft, which creates this rattling noise as you work through sessions. While this may be a minor inconvenience to some, it may deter some buyers.

Amazon

MOST POWERFUL MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Achedaway Pro

• $299.00 at Amazon

• Stall Force: Up to 80 lbs.
• Amplitude: 16mm
• Speeds: 5 (1,700–2,800 RPM)

Want your recovery sessions to have just as muscle as your in-gym workouts? This sleek, ergonomic massage gun from Achedaway is just the ticket you’ve been looking for. Capable of withstanding up to 80 pounds of stall force, we seriously could not muster up enough pressure to bog this behemoth down. Plus, the 16mm amplitude reached easily into our deepest muscle beds for a soothing, relieving session.

Our tester also enjoyed the easy-to-toggle one-button controls, as it kept everything neat and tidy at the backend. The flatter button, however, did take a little to get used to, especially when trying to change speeds mid-treatment. The power of the massage gun can make it a little difficult to hit the button entirely on the first try, so we recommend taking the gun off your frame and really focusing on the adjustments for the most seamless practice possible.

Amazon

BEST ORBITAL MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Dr. Massage Prowlr Orbital Massage Gun

• $0.00 at Amazon

• Stall Force: Up to 44 lbs.
• Amplitude: N/A
• Speeds: 3 (1,200–1,800 RPM)

Massaging your tired muscles doesn’t always need to follow the hammering, pounding nature associated with percussive massage guns. There are other forms of massage, after all. This innovative silhouette from Dr. Massage utilizes orbital motion to create a sweeping, kneading sensation across your tired aches, rather than pounding into the tissue itself.

Our tester noted how user-friendly the Prowlr was thanks to its ultra quiet motor and long battery life. Be mindful, though, that this modality is great for blood flow but might take longer to achieve the same relief experienced with other massage guns. We recommend using this device for warmups and improved circulation, as opposed to a standalone recovery tool.

For an in-depth look, read our review of the Dr. Massage Prowlr Orbital Massage Gun.

Amazon

MOST QUIET MASSAGE GUN ON AMAZON

Sportneer Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massage Gun

• $120.00 at Amazon

• Stall Force: Up to 40 lbs.
• Amplitude: 11mm
• Speeds: 6 (1,300–3,200 RPM)

Massage gun therapy doesn’t need to be this loud power tool experience. You can get just enough relief while taking in a Sunday football game or catching up on your favorite TV series — without cranking up the volume. This quiet option from Sportneer is the perfect companion for post-workout treatment thanks to its quiet motor putting out between 30–45 decibels while still delivering up to 40 pounds of stall force.

When watching television or catching up on our go-to series, this was the massage gun we opted for most often. While the amplitude could be improved upon, we still think this is a great option for post-training aches and pains.

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