Using a handheld massage gun, also known as a percussion massage gun or percussion massager, can have multiple benefits for your body, especially if you constantly have tension in your neck and back. For people with lower back issues, massage guns can be a lifesaver. For those who work out on a regular basis, the massage gun is a necessity for pre-workout warmup and post-workout recovery. If you are sitting down every day and working in an office chair, you likely will have some kind of back issues that need to be worked out. With a powerful massage gun, you can do just that in the comfort of your own home. 

Below are our top picks and reviews for each massage gun we like on the market right now. They have been reviewed for the following: 

• Speed and power
  
• Versatility and portability
  
• Attachments and accessories
  
• Battery life

To save you some time in reading, our top pick for the shopper looking for the overall top of the line device is the TheraGun PRO. This device has everything anyone would be looking for including power, speed, and Bluetooth connectivity with an innovative app.

For the value shopper, consider either the Kraftgun, Jawku or Achedaway, which we offer additional savings on below.

Jawku Muscle Blaster V2

JAWKU is a company that didn’t get its start in the massage gun space, but they are certainly not new to it. They are probably more well known in the fitness and athletic industry for their tech products such as their JAWKU Speed timing device. Their newest massage gun, the Muscle Blaster V2, is the second iteration of their original Muscle Blaster. The V2 is drastically different looking than it’s ancestor, with a very unique look and vibrant color. Below we take a look at a few unique features of the device and answer a few common questions that potential buyers may have.

Speed and Power

The JAWKU Muscle Blaster V2 comes equipped with five variable speed options, which range from a low end of 1,400 percussions per minute up to a high end of 3,200 percussion per minute. These are powered by a rate voltage of 100-240V, 5060Hz. The device has a battery life of 4+ hours with continuous use and is driven by the built-in, recharegable, lithium-ion battery. The charge level is denoted by a LED 4 level battery indicator. The device has a unique shape that is prominently displayed by the 15 degree angled shaft. The massage head itself has a stroke length, or amplitude, of 16mm and the device is capable of withstanding a stall force of 65 lbs.

Versatility and Portability

The Muscle Blaster V2 is very portable and can easily be carried with all of it’s accessories in the included zippered case. The device itself is 2.2 pounds and measures 7.4 inches wide x 9.52 inches tall. The battery is not removable so please reference TSA guidelines before traveling with any device with a lithium-ion battery.

Attachments and Accessories

• JAWKU Muscle Blaster V2
• Zippered Carrying Case
• 4 attachment heads
  • Ball
  • Fork
  • Bullet
  • Flat
• Built-in, rechargeable, lithium-ion battery (2550mAh capacity)
• Charging cord (DC26V / 1A)

Battery Life

While a non-removable battery may not be ideal for most, the device has a continuous-use battery life of approximately 4 hours. This is on the higher end of battery lives when compared to other massagers on the market. The JAWKU offers 4 LED battery level indicator so you know when the device is getting close to needing a charge. Competitors battle this by offering removable batteries so that second, fully charged, batteries can be on hand to always have a charged device available. The device comes with a charger for the built in battery.

Conclusion

We liked the unique shape and design of the Jawku Muscle Blaster V2. The gun itself works very well and really has everything you want in a professional massage gun that can pinpoint muscle aches and stress, alleviating any soreness and tension. It’s important to note that this massage tool is slightly less expensive than some of it’s competitors, but it’s worth the cost as it still delivers high-powered quality. This is one of the few massage devices that has a high stall force and allows for an aggressive massage.

Kraftgun

Kraftgun is a device that has gained a lot of attention lately through their aggressive social media marketing tactics. This is a device we came across on Instagram repeatedly so we had to check it out. It is currently the only device listed on the companies website, but they’ve certainly made a splash quickly with their device. Below we take a look at some of the features of the Kraftgun.

Speed and Power

The Kraftgun is marketed as noise-free, which is close but not necessarily the case. While it is a quite device, it certainly does make some noise – registering in around 65 DB. The device has a 16 mm amplitude with a stall force of 66 pounds. The noise and power of this device are both thanks to the 24V brushless motor, which operates at 3 different speeds of 30 Hz, 35 Hz, and 40 Hz that range from 1,800 percussions per minute up to 2,400 percussions per minute. The device weighs just 2.2 pounds, making it one of the lighter massage guns we’ve tried recently. The Kraftgun does come with an adjustable arm, which adjusts to 3 different angles, allowing you to reach all areas of your back on your own.

Versatility and Portability

The Kraftgun is just as portable as most other massage guns. It comes with it’s own zippered carrying case with a handle, so taking it to the gym or the office is very convenient. It only weighs 2.2 pounds so any active individual should not have any issue maneuvering it as they massage all parts of their body.

Attachments and Accessories

• Kraftgun massage gun
• Charging cord and wall plug
• 4 attachment heads
  • Round
  • Fork
  • Bullet
  • Flat
• Zippered case for attachment heads
• Zippered case for device and all accessories listed above

Battery

The Kraftgun is advertised to last between 6-7 hours dependent on the speed setting and pressure being applied. More realistically, the device has an average battery life of between 3-4 hours of regular use. It is recommended that all users fully charge the non-removable battery before their first use.

Conclusion

The Kraftgun is a high quality competitor to some of the more well-known devices. However, the price is in the same range as those devices so it will come down to your budget on which device you think will suit your needs best. With our coupon link, users can get $120 off the retail price. Be aware, some buyers have commented on Kraftgun’s social media sites that they have experienced longer than normal shipping times, some reporting up to 8 weeks to receive their device.

Achedaway Percussion Massager

Achedaway is a company that has not gotten a lot of attention so when we came across their device we decided to check it out. You may have seen their device on social media as they have actively been reaching out to influencers to increase their brand awareness. The company’s only device listed on their website is their Percussion Massager, which comes in two different colors (pink or black).

The Achedaway is self-described as a cutting-edge massage device that uses percussive vibration to improve the body’s overall performance. The massager is manufactured using the industry’s leading components.

Speed and Power

The Achedaway massager is a multi-speed device that allows the user to change between 5 different speeds. Those speeds range from 1,500 percussions per minute up to 3,250 percussions per minute. Achedaway provides their recommendation for each speed level from 1-5:

• 1 – wake up muscles (1,500 percussions per minute / 25Hz)
• 2 – fascia release (1,900 percussions per minute / 31 Hz)
• 3 – eliminate lactic acid (2,400 percussions per minute / 40 Hz)
• 4 – deep tissue massage (2,850 percussions per minute / 47 Hz)
• 5 – muscle recovery (3,250 percussions per minute / 54 Hz)

This device is all powered by a long-lasting, built-in, lithium-ion battery. Achedaway states this battery will last up to 5 hours on a single charge depending on the speed level being utilized. The average life is 3 hours. The body of the device is sturdy and durable as it is made from aluminim alloy. The Achedaway features an automatic shut-off which activates after 10 minutes of use. This is a feature that is becoming more popular in massage devices as it helps prevent over-use. Lastly, the massage head itself has a stroke length, or amplitude, of 10mm and the device is capable of withstanding a stall force of 44 lbs – which puts it on the higher end of massage guns in terms of stall force.

Versatility and Portability

The Achedaway is certainly an easy device to transport around. It is relatively light weight at 2.5 pounds and comes with a convenient carry case that zips up and has a handle. The one (very small) downside of the device is that the battery is not removable. So if you are looking to fly with the device, you’re going to need to take the entire device with you onto the plane.

Attachments and Accessories

• Achedaway Percussion Massager
• AC Charger: 110-240V 50/60Hz – DC24V-1A
• Zippered carrying case
• Built-in, non-removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (2600mAh capacity)
• 5 attachment heads
  • Round head – for large muscle groups
  • Flat head – for any part of the body
  • Fork head – for neck and spine
  • Bullet head – for deep tissue and trigger points
  • Cushion head

The cushion head attachment, which we are calling it because it is not listed on their website is a bit unique compared so some other devices we’ve tested with similar attachments. This attachment actually slips over the top of the flat head attachment. Even though it is not it’s own attachment, it still functions great and doesn’t slip off!

Battery Life

While the battery life is advertised as 5-hours (which is longer than most), Achedaway says the average run time is closer to 3 hours. One difference with the power source of the Achedaway is that it is not removable. Therefore, you will not have the opportunity to have a secondary battery on-hand and you will need to remember to always charge your device after use.

Conclusion

For starters, the Achedaway comes in on the lower-end of the price spectrum compared to many of the other high-quality massage guns on this list. The device is certainly capabable of providing a quality massage and competes well with these other devices even though it’s a lesser known brand. We highly recommend this device for those shopping on a budger. As an added bonus, readers of Best Massage Tech can receive $25 off their purchase of an Achedaway by using code “BMT” at checkout on achedaway.com.

Hyperice Hypervolt Portable Massage Device

Check out our in-depth review of the unboxing of the Hypervolt HERE.

Speed and Power

One of the things you immediately notice about the Hypervolt percussion massager is that it’s powerful. You can feel the pressure and the percussions. With up to 3,200 percussions per minute, it truly feels like your muscles are being medically treated by a professional massage. The intensity is adjustable. There are three speed levels, which allow you to change up the pressure and speed as you need. 

Versatility and Portability

The Hypervolt massager only weighs 2.5 lbs, so it’s very lightweight to hold. The handle and design give you stable control when you’re moving over the lower back and arms. You can press in for deeper tension, or you can quickly move across shoulders and other areas with ease. 

Attachments and Accessories

The Hypervolt comes with four attachments: ball head (softest one), flat head, bullet head and fork head. cone. The attachments on Hypervolt are very different from other massagers. This includes the two-pronged interchangeable attachments that’s good for high pressure tension relief. Other than the four interchangeable attachments, battery, and charger, you won’t get any additional accessories from HyperIce. 

Battery Life

The battery life is extremely strong on the Hypervolt which is another huge plus. You won’t have to worry about re-charing in the middle of your post-workout. This battery lasts up to 3 hours on a single charge and is removable so you can swap another battery in if needed.

Conclusion

If you have the budget, then the Hypervolt Massage Gun is one of the best guns out there for percussion massage. There are four interchangeable attachments, and it has higher percussions per minute than most other massagers out there. You’ll be able to quickly relieve every sore muscle with this tool, even if you have extremely sensitive areas such as where you might deal with lower back pain. 

TimTam All New Power Massager

Speed and Power

The TimTam All New Power Massager is a wonderful therapeutic massage gun. It was able to break down knots and release tension throughout shoulders, neck, and back areas. In terms of speed, it’s rated to go up to 2,500 percussions per minute, which is on par with the other massagers on this list. However, you won’t spend as much to get massage power that can still release tension in your muscles rapidly. 

Versatility and Portability

The design isn’t really the best on the TimTam. It feels a bit bulky, but it does allow you to push in and feel stable when you feel a super tight knot in your back and shoulder area. Stall force is not something to worry about with this device as it is able to withstand a good amount of pressure. The head adjusts 90-degrees, but comes with only one ball attachment head, which felt quite hard in comparison to other brands’ attachments with textured cushions. Coming with only one standard attachment, it’s not as versatile as others on this list, but that’s part of what makes it so affordable. Users interested in other attachments can purchase them separately from TimTam’s website. The attachments with this massager are compatible with their Pro model. 

Attachments and Accessories

The TimTam is well-liked for its price, but the low price point doesn’t make up for the lack of attachments or accessories. The gun itself only comes with one attachment. However, the standard ball attachment that it comes with is threaded and is screwed into place. TimTam does have some alternate heads you can purchase which allow it to compete with other massage guns in terms of variability. The TimTam comes with a portable traveling case and a charger for the removable battery.

Battery Life

The battery was powerful during the 30 minutes of use. With a removable 12V lithium ion battery, you can massage most of your stress points without feeling the charge drop off. Users utilizing in team or professional settings may want to purchase multiple batteries or look into TimTam’s Gym Recovery Station.

Conclusion

The TimTam is a good massager if you are on a budget and just want something to help you work out strained muscles. It’s a sturdy and powerful device, the lower price point and decent percussions per minute still make it a great massage gun for home use. However, it is rather loud so if using it outside of your home is something you’d like to do, you may want to consider some of the quieter devices on our list.

Theragun PRO

Speed and Power

TheraGun is a stand-out brand and has continued to elevate it’s product with each generation of its massage gun. The company doesn’t disappoint with the TheraGun PRO. This device is part of their 4th generation line of massage guns, which continue to evolve with technology. It’s very easy to use and it delivers on power with a stall force of 60 pounds and 5, built-in, adjustable speeds of 1,750 percussions per minute and 2,400 percussions per minute. Additionally, you have the option of connecting to the device via their app and selecting a custom speed in the above ranges via Bluetooth. Along with being fast and powerful, the massage gun is quite – much quieter than it’s later predecessors the Original Theragun and the G2 Pro. However, it does not differ much in sound than the G3Pro. TheraGun did a fantastic job of limiting the sound, without sacrificing power. While it’s not the most quiet massage gun on the market, its quiet enough to be used in public.

Versatility and Portability

The grip on this massage gun makes it one of the easier massagers to use with just one hand operation. With varying massaging angles, 5 operating speeds and 6 different attachment heads, it should have all the versatility you’ll need. It’s not the most lightweight massage gun but it is portable enough that it’s easy to bring along wherever you’re headed. The battery is removable so if air travel is in your future, you can pack the battery in your carry-on, but put the rest of the device in your checked-bag.

Attachments and Accessories

The TheraGun PRO comes with a variety of attachments and a couple accessories. You can choose between six different detachable massage heads, including a large ball, SuperSoft, dampener, thumb, wedge and a cone. As far as accessories, the Pro comes with two lithium ion batteries, a battery stand and battery charger. It also comes with a zippered pouch for the attachments and a zippered carrying case with handle for everything.

Battery Life

We found that it was incredibly easy to use the TheraGun Pro for long periods of time due to it having 2 batteries that each last 2.5 hours each. The two lithium ion batteries charge quickly and allow you to always have a charged battery on hand should one of them die. The massage gun does have a battery life display on it so you are always aware of how much charge is remaining.

Conclusion

The TheraGun Pro offers nearly everything you’d want in a massage gun. It has a variety of attachments and options that can be utilized and a long lasting battery that can be replaced at anytime with it’s backup. Its a powerful, yet quiet massage gun that can meet any athlete’s needs.

Our Pick for Best Massage Gun 2020

The best massage gun currently on the market, in our opinion, is the TheraGun PRO. It has nearly everything we would want in a personal massage device. It’s a powerful massager that offers varying speeds, with six different attachments that can be used to target muscles at multiple angles. The fact that it comes with 2 batteries that have an already long life of 2.5 hours, makes it so that you should never have to worry about a dead massage gun. It’s also easy to transport and keep all your accessories in one spot with the convenient carrying case and zippered pouch for your attachments. While the price point is high, the TheraGun Pro offers enough amenities and features that it warrants the cost. If you are shopping on a lower budget, we would recommend the Achedaway or the Jawku as both offer a very quality device without the “name brand” price tag. Use code “BMT” on either of these devices for an additional savings on their already low price. Our middle of the road pick in terms of price point and features would be the Kraftgun.

Massage Gun Buyer’s Guide

Who is a Massage Gun For?

A percussion massager or massage gun is very useful for anyone who has sore muscles, muscle tension, or aches and pains because of muscle cramps or scar tissue. Many of these massage guns are made to pinpoint specific muscles, especially if there are multiple attachments. The cone attachment, for example, can help when you want to pinpoint muscles in the balls or heels of your feet. 

Many athletes can benefit from using a massage gun after hard workouts. If you have any type of tension in your muscles that you want to work through, it can be a beneficial part of your pre-workout and post-workout routine. However, these tools can really benefit anyone, not just athletes.

For those with lower back pain, a massage gun can be a really intense tool for daily relief and therapy. If you are currently seeing a therapist for back pain trouble, you should check with your doctor about the effectiveness of a massage gun for your specific muscle tension. 

Important features to consider when buying

Some massagers just stand out because of their ergonomic shape, power, and speed. You most likely want a massage gun that is going to be able to push deep enough into your muscles to release tension. Here are some of the features we look for: 

Speed or Percussions Per Minute

The first thing you should compare on any massager is the percussions per minute stat. This tells you how fast a massage can pulsate, delivering speed with each rotation. You don’t want a massager that’s too slow, but you also don’t want one that is going to beat you up. That’s why having multiple speed settings is best.

Head Adjustability

Most massage guns should rotate at 90-degree angles or better. Any massager that doesn’t offer this flexibility is lacking in versatility compared to those that do offer such adjustability. The varying angles allow you to target different areas of your body with the appropriate amount of pressure. This is especially useful in hard to reach areas, such as your back.

Stall Force (AKA Torque or Pressure)

The standard here is around 60-80 pounds of torque, but it’s also best to test out the massager if you can. You may find these products at sporting good stores or just finding good shops online with return policies that will ensure you get your money back if it doesn’t deliver on pressure. While many massagers boast on their speed, they often can lack in torque or stall force. Guns with low stall force can actually be brought to a stop pretty easily with minimal amount of pressure applied. You can also check out our reviews to see how well a massager performs. We’ve provided lots of information in our individual product reviews.

Speed Adjustments

There’s nothing wrong with a single speed massage, but it’s not going to be the best if you have areas that are more sensitive and just require a lighter touch compared to knots you may have in your calf. Specifically for the lower back, having multiple settings is perfect because you won’t have to aggressively target pain all at once, you can drastically build into it by starting at a lower speed setting before building to a more aggressive speed.

Interchangeable Head Attachments

With multiple head attachments, you can target different muscles and apply different pressure as evenly or deliberately as you like. For example, the cone head attachment is for pinpointing muscles in the feet or wrists. Most, but not all, massage guns on the market come with several different attachments.

Battery Life

The standard for today’s massagers is a lithium ion battery. These should last multiple hours, but you can read the specifications to see what type of battery it uses and how long it holds a charge. Battery levels will be dependent on the speed settings that are being utilized and how long each massage session is lasting. Massage guns with removable batteries have an advantage because they allow you to purchase additional batteries to have on hand.

Noise Level

Most massage guns are not necessarily quiet devices. If you are hoping to take your massage gun to the gym or office, you’ll want to be sure you consider the noise level of it first. Some are certainly too loud to be used in a public setting and you’ll want to refrain from using them. However, there are a few that are quiet enough to be used wherever. Check out our ranking of the massage guns on the market ranked by noise level in decibels.

Other Features and Capabilities We Look For

In addition to the features outlined above, buyers should also consider if the battery is removable, if the device comes with any sort of carrying case, how heavy the percussion massager is, what the stroke length of the device is (distance the attachment moves away from the massager – standard is between 10-16mm).

What are the Benefits of Using a Massage Gun?

Most people think that a massage gun isn’t as strong as a masseuse, but they’re completely wrong. Getting a massage from a masseuse is definitely an experience, but you can achieve the same power with a massage gun. You also don’t have to pay $50-150 each time to use it. Plus, unlike a human massager, a massage gun provides the same output every single time and doesn’t get tired.

We’ve previously highighted the health benefits of using a massage chair and getting massage in gnereal. However, some of the general benefits we like best about using these massagers include: 

• Offers more pressure and speed than traditional massage
  
• Time-saving
  
• Money-saving
  
• Pinpoint specific muscle groups
  
• Completely private

The biggest benefit is increased blood flow and instant muscle relief. With a massage gun, you can push right into the area giving you trouble or soreness, and it provides instant relief. 

How Do Massage Guns Work?

Massage guns help you target specific muscles and engage in specific techniques for massage, such as deep tissue massage and sports massage. As the massagers press into your muscle, they increase lymphatic flow and reduce lactic acid at the same time. They do this by helping to increase blood flow to the targeted area. With more pressure, you should feel your tension start to alleviate, as complicated knots and tension strains dissipate. 

Some guns have different speeds and attachments. You can use a cone attachment to help you pinpoint areas in smaller muscle groups, such as with feet or wrists. With the con attachment on, you can simply press to turn on the gun and adjust to the speed you like, then push into the muscle group to start alleviating tension. 

Other massage guns have multiple attachments that may not necessarily come with the gun but are perfect for different areas of your body. For example, HyperIce has a two-pronged attachment. This simulates undulating waves of pressure, which is a good idea if you have very sensitive and painful areas with tension that you want to alleviate slowly. 

How Often Should I Use a Massage Gun?

Similar to how often you should use a massage chair. You can use a massage gun every day if you would like, but it’s probably not necessary. You want your muscles to be able to repair, so you wouldn’t use a massager after each workout or before each workout unless you were constantly in muscle pain. 

Using a massager on your muscles can lead to tearing of the muscle and other issues, which means you should take it easy if you feel that you have pulled a muscle or may have experienced some kind of injury. Sometimes tension isn’t just a sore muscle, but there’s something more that should be checked by a doctor. 

If you ever feel that your massage is causing more pain or you experience more pain from using massage guns, then you should contact your doctor immediately and see what you can do about your muscle tension through warm wraps and traditional massage. However, most of the time, percussion massage guns are meant to help with rehabilitation by breaking up scar tissue. 

Quick Summary

Massage guns have become a popular way to treat sore muscles at home. You’ll find that everyone can use a massage gun, and it’s not just for athletes. While it is a professional tool, you don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality percussion massage tool. However, these massage tools have the best ratings and the most commendations for power. 

When you’re picking out a massage gun, here’s some of the questions you should ask while you check out something you’re about to buy: 

• How fast does it go, what are the percusions per minute (PPM or RPM)?
  
• How much torque or pounds of pressure can the tool apply to the body?
  
• Is the price worth the power and features?
  
• Does it look easy-to-use?

Some massage tools simply don’t sit right in the hand. They may be more difficult to maneuver. Others won’t have multiple speed settings or lots of pressure to push into muscles when you really want to get out a tight knot. You should always consider how you plan to use a massage gun before purchasing one for yourself.