How to Choose the Best Massage Gun

Whether you’re looking for a tool to help you relieve lingering soreness after a workout or want to add something new to your recovery routine, massage guns are a great option. These percussion devices can help alleviate muscle tightness by delivering a vibration therapy treatment that combines elements of traditional massage and percussive vibration, explains Leada Malek, a physical therapist and board-certified sports specialist with her own virtual practice.

In our tests, we found that a good massage gun will be easy to use and feature clear instructions that make it intuitive to get the most out of it. Many models also offer app compatibility that can walk you through different routines and help you find the best settings for your body type.

The Theragun Elite is our top choice and a favorite of the experts we spoke to, but it comes with a hefty price tag. That said, it has a higher power range and more attachments than the cheaper Theragun Prime, and it boasts a 16-millimeter amplitude that can penetrate deeper into your muscles than most other massage guns. Its handle is ergonomic and it has sound insulation to keep the noise levels down.

A more budget-friendly option is the Ekrin Athletics Bantam, which has a six-hour battery life and is rated to deliver up to 3,200 percussions per minute. It has a simple, one-button design and an LED panel that reads speeds and battery level. It’s a great option for travelers and those who don’t want to deal with the loud percussion noise that comes with most massaging guns.  best massage gun