Whether you’re hitting the gym hard, crushing long runs, or just spending way too much time at your desk, muscle soreness creeps up fast. Sore muscles are a normal part of getting stronger, but if you don’t take care of recovery, you might find yourself skipping workouts, or just feeling sluggish for days.
I’ve dealt with this plenty myself. That’s where massage guns come in. These handheld devices deliver rapid pulses to your muscles, giving on-demand relief and making it easy to boost recovery. If you’re looking for a way to tackle post-workout aches without booking a sports massage every week, they’re pretty handy.
I put together this guide to help you find the right massage gun for your body, your workout style, and your wallet. Here are my personal picks for the best massage guns to relieve muscle soreness and help you bounce back faster after workouts.
1. Theragun PRO: High Power for Deep Relief
The Theragun PRO is like the heavyweight champ of massage guns. It has an ultramighty motor and a comfortable grip, which makes it awesome for reaching tough knots deep in big muscle groups like quads, hamstrings, or your back.
- Multiple speed settings (1750 to 2400 percussions per minute) let you select just the right intensity for your needs.
- Comes with several attachment heads to target everything from large muscles to sensitive spots.
- Long battery life; up to 2.5 hours per charge means you don’t have to plug it in after every session.
If you want a pro-level device and don’t mind the higher price, the Theragun PRO is a solid investment for lifters, athletes, or anyone who deals with chronic muscle tightness.
2. Hyperice Hypervolt 2: Quiet Tech, Adjustable Power
I’m a big fan of the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 if you’re looking for something effective but not super loud. It packs a punch, but the quiet motor won’t bother your roommates or family if you want to use it while watching TV.
- Three speed levels for a custom massage, which is great for tender spots or deep trigger points.
- Lightweight and easy to handle, even if you’re tired after a tough workout.
- Comes with five interchangeable heads, so you can swap out attachments for each muscle group.
The Hypervolt 2 is a top pick if you want a balance of performance, price, and userfriendly design. It’s simple to use and gets the job done for most post-gym recovery routines.
3. Ekrin Athletics B37: AllAround Value and Comfort
The Ekrin Athletics B37 stands out for its reliability and comfort without a huge price tag. It delivers strong percussive therapy in a lighter and more ergonomic package, making it easy to reach tricky spots by yourself.
- Five speeds let you go gentle or ramp it up for deeper tissue work.
- Battery lasts up to eight hours, which is one of the longest I’ve seen in a massage gun.
- Slim, angled handle makes it easy to reach hardtoaccess places, which is handy if you’re always tight in your shoulders or lower back.
This model hits a great middle ground between highend models and budget picks. If you want comfort and versatility, the B37 is definitely worth checking out, and the long battery life is a massive perk for those with busy schedules.
4. LifePro Sonic LX: Budget Option With Surprising Power
If you’re not ready to spend a bunch but want to see if a massage gun helps with your muscle recovery, the LifePro Sonic LX covers the basics. It’s easy on the wallet but offers more power than most entrylevel models, making it a solid option for plenty of users.
- Comes with nine different attachment heads, way more than most, so you can try what works best for you.
- Variable speed settings let you switch from low vibration relaxation to more intense percussion for sore quads or calves.
- Super straightforward controls; nothing complicated, and you won’t need a manual to figure it out.
This option isn’t as refined as pricier choices, but it gets the job done for weekend warriors or anyone just starting to put massage guns to work for recovery. It’s also great for families who share, because of the many attachments for different needs.
5. Achedaway Pro: ExtraQuiet For Sensitive Ears
If you want to zone out and relax after a tough workout, the Achedaway Pro is almost silent compared to many competitors, and it delivers strong percussion therapy for deep knots or tight hamstrings.
- Very quiet on all settings, so it won’t disturb your chill time or people who are nearby.
- Strong motor works well for dense muscle or those who deal with longterm tightness.
- Four different heads and a comfortable handle make it easy to use, even during longer sessions.
If you’re sensitive to noise or want something to use anywhere, the Achedaway Pro will not disappoint, plus you get the solid power needed for serious muscle relief.
Benefits of Using a Massage Gun After Workouts
From my experience, using a massage gun brings plenty of perks for postworkout recovery:
- Tones down delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), so you’re less stiff and achy the next day.
- Pumps up blood flow, helping speed your muscle recovery.
- Breaks up tension in tight spots, especially after heavy lifts or long runs where knots form easily.
- Can boost flexibility and range of motion if you use it on a regular basis. Consistent sessions contribute to improved movement and performance over time.
The key is to go slow over each muscle group and avoid pressing too hard. Let the gun do the work. Most people who use a massage gun within an hour after exercise notice the best relief, but you can use it before a workout as well to get stubborn muscles loosened up. Some athletes use it midday to ease tension between sessions as well.
What To Look For When Choosing a Massage Gun
- Power and Speed Settings: It’s not all about raw strength, but you’ll want enough intensity to reach the deeper muscles. Variable speed controls give you options for different groups and aches.
- Battery Life: If you’re on the move or plan to use it often, long battery time is vital. Extended runtime means less worry about finding your charger.
- Noise Level: Some massage guns get pretty loud. Choosing a quieter model makes a world of difference if you want relaxing massages or need to use it while others are around.
- Attachment Heads: Each head targets a specific area; the round head for large muscles, bullet head for tough knots, and flat or fork heads for bony or sensitive areas.
- Portability: If you travel or commute, consider a compact or lightweight model. Cases and bags are also handy extras for those always on the go.
Checking reviews and feedback from real users will help pinpoint details like ease of use, durability, and any customer service questions you may have. Doing some research before buying can save you trouble—and money—down the road.
How to Use a Massage Gun Safely
- Start with the lowest setting and slowly increase. There’s no reason to go full speed straight away.
- Keep the gun moving and avoid placing it on bones or joints.
- Limit your time on any one spot. One to two minutes is usually plenty, especially if you’re new to massage guns.
- If you feel pain, stop. Recovery should feel relieving, not hurtful.
If you have any recent injuries or medical issues, check with a doctor or physical therapist before trying a massage gun. Safety first, so you can keep making gains and feeling great!
Wrapping Up
Massage guns give you an easy and effective way to tackle muscle soreness, speed recovery, and keep your body in shape for whatever’s next: a heavy lift day, a long bike ride, or just handling life’s routines. There are strong choices for every budget, and the right model can make your recovery sessions feel like pure self-care instead of a chore.
Have you tried any massage guns on this list, or do you have a personal favorite? I’m curious to hear your recovery tips or questions—drop them below and let’s trade advice!
If you’re super interested but not quite up for the price why not keep an eye out for deals during major events like black friday, cyber monday, and boxing day? Sometimes an older version is available cheaper after a new on has just been released and Prime Day can bring some great savings too!