You're not alone when it comes to sore, knotted muscles. According to Arthritis Research UK, one in six people in the UK suffers from back pain. That said, there's one simple solution that you can try from home - the best massage guns.
Massage guns are a relatively new invention; back in 2007 after chiropractor Jason Werseland had a motorcycle accident he built the first massage gun, Theragun.
For anyone looking for natural ways to beat joint pain, you'll be glad to know that this solution really works. It does so by encouraging your muscles to heal by improving circulation. There are two different ways that massagers do this: using percussion or vibration therapy.
However, massage guns don't just ease back pain - benefits also include relieving stress and tension, improving circulation in the body, increasing mobility, and aiding sleep.
How do I choose a massage gun?
It's been 14 years since the Theragun was born, and the massage gun market has boomed; there are hundreds (maybe even thousands) of options available. Although this equipment is still predominately used by athletes, additional people around the world are using this tool to improve muscular pain, speed up rehabilitation and get a deep tissue massage.
Whatever your reason for wanting to buy a massage gun, you need to understand what you want this machine to do as well as set yourself a price range - as these devices can end up costing hundreds of pounds.
Lucky for you, we have found 15 different massage guns to suit every budget. Whether you're happy to splurge on the best sports massage guns or hoping to count the pennies with a cheap massage gun, we've got you covered.
The best massage guns
Best massage guns 2022
1. HoMedics Pro Power Handheld Physiotherapy Massager Gun
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Tried and tested by Commercial Content Editor, Adam Binnie: "I've used a cheaper massage gun before and found it beneficial but wasn't blown away, it was noisy and a faff to set the power to the right level and this made it less convenient to use. This Homedics unit is a different thing entirely - you select which of its three power modes you want using a rotating selector and it's super quiet in operation. It is now a regular part of my post-workout routine.
"You get six heads and a sheet showing which are best for what areas of your body, and some examples of how to use them. I find the barrel one brilliant for my IT band and the arrow wince-inducing on my calves after a long ride on my bike."I'm not entirely sold on the physical benefits of the heating head (which takes two minutes to get to full temp) but it feels really soothing a day after training and has become my go-to. There's a cold head that you have to put in the freezer in my experience it didn't stay cold enough for long enough, but then again, I quite like an ice bath, so maybe I've just desensitised myself to its benefits."
Key specs: Speed settings: three 2,100rpm, 2,400rpm, 3,000rpm; Battery life: five hours; Colour: black; Heated head: 47 degrees
What's included: Pro Physio Massage Gun, six heads, charger, instructions, storage case
2. MILcea Store Massage Gun
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OK, so this massage gun has over 17,500 reviews for a reason. As well as having eight different attachments to reach those hard-to-get areas, the device only needs to be charged around once a week with frequent use. Each of the eight attachments tackle various things, for example, the u-shaped head will help to relax your shoulders, which is amazing for anyone holding any tension in their body. The digital display screen is also reportedly easy to use.
Key specs: Size: N/A; Speed settings: 30; Battery life: six to seven hours; Warranty: no; Colour: black and blue.
What's included: MILcea massage gun, eight massage heads, charger and carrier case.
3. Theragun Mini
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Tried and tested by Commercial Content Writer, Lily Anderson: "This changed my life - it's a bold statement, but it's true. I had a car accident a few years ago and my shoulder/lower back has never been the same. Since using the Theragun mini, I've seen some good improvements. At first, I was intimidated by this bit of kit because it's so powerful (up to 2400 percussions per minute to be exact). However, once I overcome the hesitation from the speed, I never looked back. While working from home, the stiff feeling in my back has gone from bad to worse. I've been using the gun on my back and the bottom of my feet for a few weeks now. Within a few minutes of applying, I feel totally relaxed. Once I'm able to get back to the gym, I don't doubt that this will ease muscle pain, because it's doing it already. That said, is a massage gun worth it? Absolutely. The benefits don't stop there, I like how quiet it is and the fact its compact size means it could effortlessly fit in my gym bag."
Key specs: Size: 15.2 x 13.5 x 7.7cm; Speed settings: three; Battery life: 150 minutes; Warranty: one-year guarantee; Colour: black, white or red.
What's included: Theragun mini, soft case, ball attachment and power adapter.
4. HYPERICE Hypervolt GO Handheld Body Massager
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Tried and tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Jade Moscrop: "I've previously relied on foam rollers to ease my muscles after a heavy HIIT workout, but, let's be honest - they're awful. Uncomfortable, painful and just downright annoying, I was really excited to get my hands on the Hypervolt GO. The lightweight device charges up really quickly, is comfortable in the hand and is really quiet. The green ring around the bottom keeps you updated with the battery life, and so far I've used it at least three times this week for a good 15 minutes and it's still on green. There are three speeds to choose from - I start out on the lowest and then gradually move up to the highest on each session. There are also two heads to use, depending on where you're targeting."If you've only used foam rollers before, it's a strange phenomenon, but you soon become used to it. I can't quite believe the difference, if I'm honest. I use it as soon as I get home from my class, and it immediately releases tension in my thighs and calves, where I suffer most after a workout. It also helps with the day two post-workout ache, which hasn't been nearly as intense since I started using it."It's the perfect size for a gym bag and is great for an at-home massage - useful if you often wake up with cricks in your shoulders or neck. This is a really high-quality piece of kit, and my only disappointment is that I didn't discover it sooner."
Key specs: Size: 184.15 x 50.8 x 139.7mm; Speed settings: three; Battery life: 2.5 hours; Colour: black; Weight: 680g
What's included: Hypervolt GO, two attachment heads, three additional plug adapters, 18v charger, instruction manual.
5. RENPHO Muscle Massage Gun Deep Tissue Muscle Massager
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Reaching up to speeds of 3200rpm - if you're all about the power, then this is the ideal massage machine for you. From waking up the muscles to deep tissue massage and even encouraging muscle recovery, each setting is designed to help your body.But the motion isn't the only thing that is powerful about this massager, the design is too. Reviewers have also expressed how lightweight it is, which is good when it comes to manoeuvring it around on tight muscles on your own body.
Key specs: Size: 18.6 x 20.1 x 5.66cm; Speed settings: five; Battery life: six hours; Warranty: no; Colour: black.
What's included: RENPHO Massage Gun, USB cable, five massage heads, user manual and portable bag.
6. HoMedics Physio Massage Gun
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Do you love treating yourself to a back massage? Whether this is a deep tissue or sports massage, you'll never need to hit the salon again, thanks to this piece of equipment.
Key specs: Speed settings: three; Battery life: N/A; Warranty: three years; Colour: black
What's included: HoMedics Physio Massage Gun, three massage heads, Li-Ion battery, charger and storage bag.
7. Theragun Elite
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Like the sound of the Theragun Mini? Well, you can take it one step further with the Theragun Elite. Other than size, the main difference between these devices is the Elite's stronger force. Don't be intimidated by this as it allows for better circulation and releases tension.
Key specs: Size: 24 x 17 x 7.4cm; Speed settings: any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute; Battery life: 120 minutes; Warranty: one year; Colour: white, black or red.
What's Included: Theragun Elite, five attachments, case and power adapter.
8. BEURER MG55 Handheld Tapping Body Massager
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Not technically a gun per se, but still a handheld device that will improve blood flow and loosen up your muscles. Our favourite thing about this machine is that it uses infra-red heat to work, which means that you'll instantly feel the benefits. Although this is heavier than others on the list, it still gets a thumbs up from us.
Key specs: Size: 9.5 x 44.5 x 9.5cm; Speed settings: one; Battery life N/A; Warranty: three years; Colour: white.
What's Included: Beurer MG55 Handheld Tapping Body Massager, three massage attachments and instruction manual.
9. addsfit Mini Massage Gun
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Compact is where it's at! Although the addsfit Mini Massage Gun is small and quiet, don't underestimate how powerful it is. Coming in at up to 3000RPM, we're talking about serious massaging capabilities here.
Key specs: Size: 12.9 x 10.4 x 4cm; Speed settings: three; Battery life: six hours; Warranty: no; Colour: sky grey.
What's included: addsfit Mini Portable Massage Gun, triggered flat and thumb massage heads, type-c charging cable, travel case and user manual.
10. Wattne Muscle Massage Gun
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Are you doing some DIY around the house or spending time sorting out the garden? Help relieve any tension in your neck, shoulders or lower back from heavy lifting and bending down with this massage gun.
Key specs: Size: N/A; Speed settings: 20; Battery life: three to eight hours; Warranty: no; Colour: black.
What's included: Wattne Muscle Massage Gun, six massage heads, charger and case.
11. Zikkotech Dr Rock Mini 2 Massage Gun
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Are you looking for a massage device that is all about design? Well, then you've found it. If you're after a deep tissue massage, the bullet head attachment will work overtime, especially on your hands and the bottom of your feet.
Key specs: Size: 8.4cm x 14.1cm x 4.5cm; Speed settings: three; Battery life: eight to nine hours; Warranty: yes; Colour: blue, red and grey.
What's included: portable massage unit, massage head, charge cable, manual and warranty information.
12. Zikko Dr Rock Bian-Stone Massager
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Looking for a massage gun that heats up at the same time? This is the pick for you! Using the Bian-stone technique (used in traditional Chinese medicine), this gun will massage and heat at the same time to help soft tissue issues, activate cells, and eliminate pain.
Key specs: Size: 24.5cm x 7.8cm x 25.5cm; Speed settings: five; Battery life: 22 hours; Warranty: one-year warranty; Colour: black.
What's included: Dr Rock Massager, four massage heads, charge cable, manual and warranty information.
13. Medcursor Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
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It's quiet, will help banish stiffness and it's an alright price - what more could you need? We love the fact that the air cushion, cone, fork, flat, round, and wedge massage heads give you a different experience.
Key specs: Size: N/A; Speed settings: four; Battery life: six to 12 hours; Warranty: no; Colour: black.
What's included: Medcursor Handheld Percussion Massage Gun, six massage heads, case, power adapter and manual.
14. ANSGEC Massage Gun
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After spending more time indoors than ever before, encouraging blood flow around the body is essential, and a massager is a brilliant way to achieve this. Not only is it portable for discreet use, but it's also powerful.
Key specs: Size: 230 x 180 x 55cm; Speed settings: 30; Battery life: six hours; Warranty: one year; Colour: Nero.
What's included: ANSGEC Massage Gun, eight massage heads, UK power adapter, carrying case and instruction manual.
15. Reviber Massage Gun
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Target specific pain points thanks to this deep tissue massager. With 20 speed settings, choose the right amount of pressure to maintain a sense of calm and flexibility. All this without a single stretch in sight!
Key specs: Size: N/A; Speed settings: 20; Battery life: 120 minutes; Warranty: two years; Colour: grey and black.
What's Included: Reviber Massage Gun, six massage heads, carry case, user manual and charger.
Massage gun FAQs
How do massage guns work?
So now that you know massagers encourage your muscles to heal by improving circulation. It's time to break down how this equipment actually works. These massagers use attachment heads to apply pressure to target areas by using vibration or percussive therapy. But what are the benefits of them both?
Percussion massage vs vibration therapy
Percussion massage is when speedy, short pulses from your massage gun hit into the soft tissue on your body. Not only does this help increase the blood flow in the areas you're targeting, but it encourages growth and repairs damaged muscles too.
Whereas vibration therapy uses vibrations to make your muscles contract and relax. As well as these benefits it also increases bone density, reduces joint pain and boosts metabolism.
Are massage guns worth it?
As a massage gun can end up costing hundreds of pounds, it's essential to understand if these devices are worth it. Here at Yours, we believe the benefits of reducing muscle pain and stiffness (as well as increasing blood flow), make it a worthwhile purchase.
That said, the most important thing you need to know is what your requirements for a massager are.
If you're an athlete, there are massage guns on this list that have been designed by chiropractors for performance and recovery. Whereas, if you're just looking for a massager that will help you relax after a long day, a cheaper model can cut it.
We'd recommend choosing a budget and sticking to it; the best way to know whether a massage gun will be worth it is by reading reviews, understanding the warranty and giving the device a go.
Are cheap massage guns any good?
OK, so we've practically answered this above, but we want to hit home that cheap massage guns are worth it, especially for anyone watching their monthly spending.
However, if you want a massager to last for years to come, it's worth splashing out for an expensive model as these devices will usually come with a bigger warranty and will be more cost-effective in the long run.