The best massagers to relieve aches, pains and boost circulation

Our review: "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 the 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."

Whether you suffer from neck, back, shoulder or leg pain — this little massage cushion can combat it all. Its four 3D massage heads rotate to replicate the sense of a traditional shiatsu massage, while the optional light and heat function really helps to soothe those tense areas. It comes with a clip and buckle fastening so that you can attach it to your chair or even around your lower back. It's extremely affordable, and compact so you can easily take it away with you and with all its uses, we think it's great value for money.

Customer review: "It’s not always feasible to go get a massage when you need it, so having a portable machine that you can use while chilling watching TV is a really good idea. When I first used this it actually hurt quite a bit, but the more I used it, the more comfortable and relaxing it was. I guess I was full of stress balls or something, but all turned out well in the end. The four rotating balls underneath the surface change direction every now and then, which is helpful, and they even heat up which is nice."

A slightly more industrial style of foot massager, the HoMedics device offers six rotating massage nodes and 18 massage heads on a portable board, which is big enough for up to size 12 feet. You can also add a touch of heat to your massage using the hands-free controls, and it’s the perfect size for storing away when you’re done. It’s on an automatic 20-minute timer, so you don’t need to worry about being sat there for too long either, as tempting as it may be.

Customer review: "This is such a great investment, I work on my feet all day and when I get home from a long shift this foot massager brings my feet back to life again. It’s got a perfect setting which heats your foot. The massage balls are a great size to really massage the balls on my feet. I’d recommend to anyone who likes a foot rub! Hits the spot perfectly."

If you suffer from considerable back pain and work from a desk all day, then this massage chair from HoMedics is well worth the investment. As well as boasting 14 different massage settings, that can be changed via a remote control, you can attach this massager to any chair for your convenience. The flexible massage mechanism even lets you adjust the height and width of the massage reach so that you can specifically target those achy areas. Simply sit back, relax and let it massage your pain away.

Customer review: "After 8 years of severe back pain, I now have a gadget that supplies relief! I know that this isn't a cure, but to be able to get some respite is fantastic! I've tried so many appliances, none of which has proved of any use. I LOVE this massager. Many thanks."

Scalp massagers help to stimulate the blood vessels in your scalp, boosting hair growth. This pretty pink one from FREATECH has over 44,000 five-star reviews, so we're not surprised it's an Amazon best-seller. Its 100 per cent food-grade silicone teeth make it ideal for using in the shower to rub in your shampoo, helping to stimulate blood flow whilst giving your head a little TLC at the same time. Of course, you can also use it on dry hair too and its small, flat handle makes it easy to hold and control. It's available in eight different colours too, so you can choose your favourite.

Customer review: "Really good size, shape, and weight. Makes it feel like I'm really getting into the scalp to give it a thorough clean. It's already really helpful in trying to heal my hairline acne."

A face massager is a great little tool to add to your skincare arsenal. This petite facial massager is the perfect size to pop in your wash bag so you can add some TLC into your skincare routine wherever you are. Use alongside your cleanser or the NuFACE gel primer and glide across your skin five times a week to reveal more toned, smoother-looking skin.

Customer review: "It really does give you a snatched look. You have to be dedicated to use it, along with the gel. It really does work though. I use it for at least five mins a day."

Another great product from HoMedics is this mat massager, which is perfect for easing tension in your whole back. It's even been designed by a certified yoga instructor, so you know your back will get a decent dose of TLC. Choose from four different programmes — twist, flow, energise and stretch — via the remote to give your body adequate neck, shoulder and back support. The mat has a cushion at the top for extra comfort and once you're finished, this mat has a compact foldaway design, so it can easily be stored.

Our review: “Anyone who suffers from back pain all year round, knows the dread that comes from the onset of winter…. cold days bring more pain. What’s more, whilst you know you need to keep active during those winter months, winter days just make that motivation harder. This is certainly the case in my house and so when HoMedics approached us enthusiastically to test out STRETCH we jumped at the chance to see if this ‘on the pricey side’ machine could really help and what’s more, be worth the price tag… In short, after a month of use, our 5/5 rating says it all!”

Read our full HoMedics STRETCH review.

We'll be honest, these don't look and aren't the most pleasant massager to use, but they're very good for relieving knots. The spikes help reach deep tissue in your body, target trigger points and relax sore muscles. We love that you get three different sizes in this pack, so you can target different areas of your body accordingly. Plus, unlike the other massagers listed above, these don't require any batteries or charging.

Customer review: "These get right into the muscles and you can control the depth and pressure and also size based on area. Great for the price! And very well made."