We run each massage gun on its highest setting and record how long each one lasts before running out. Testers try out the various settings on each massage gun and rate them for how comfortable and effective they feel to use, and if they provide the desired level of power. When it comes to mid-workout treatments, a similar approach is taken. “During a workout, there are times when someone may feel tight and want to stretch between exercises, which may actually decrease their performance by negatively affecting their force output,” warns Giordano. “Instead try flushing the area for 15-30 seconds to increase blood flow and decrease muscle tension. This should excite the muscle, loosening it again for the rest of your workout." Massage gun customers should also look at the device’s amplitude. This is the distance the head will travel and how deep the gun hits the muscle. A massage gun with a higher amplitude can feel more intense even at a lower speed than a vibration-type massage gun. The massage guns that have higher amplitude should be able to target a specific area deep into the muscle to help reduce muscle pain and improve blood circulation.

Amplitude: This means the depth to which the massager can penetrate your muscles. If you’re an athlete wanting a powerful machine for effective muscle recovery, go for an amplitude of at least 12mm. A couple of our best sports massage guns have an amplitude of 16mm. When used well, massage guns can be used pre or post-workout to help your body recover faster and aid circulation, improve range of motion and boost overall performance. When used with one of the best foam rollers, you've got a recipe for success.The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro is a well-made massage gun, especially suited for athletes and advanced users. The basic yet solid construction of the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro makes it a good choice for nearly anyone looking to invest in a high-end massage gun. However, a few key factors gear the Pro towards a more experienced user. It depends on what you will use your massage gun for. If you exercise regularly and find yourself nursing sore muscles post-workout, a massage gun is a handy way to self-massage tight or painful areas. Alternatively, they can be used for relaxation. Despite its compact size, it has everything its bulkier counterparts offer, including five different massage heads, with each one designed to target a different muscle group. It also scored top marks for ease of use – there’s just one button for speed control and a handy manual that explains what each head is for and how to use it. If your aim is to get some satisfying relief from post-workout muscle strain and to help reduce soreness in your muscles in the days after a workout, the best massage guns are likely to work well for you and are well worth buying. For example, a 2014 study from the National Library of Medicine in the USA confirmed that percussive therapy 'significantly' reduces DOMS at 24, 48 and 72 hours after exercise.

Key features and specifications to look out for include the massage gun’s speed options, which are usually measured in percussions per minute (PPM) and tend to range from around 1000 to over 3000 for the most powerful models. Also look closely at the stall force, which is measured in kg or lbs and can vary from under 20 kg to over 30 kg. This is how much pressure you can apply to the massage gun before its motor stops, so a higher stall force means the ability to give yourself a firmer, deeper massage. Again, make sure you’re familiar with what you like from a percussive massage and buy the gun that’s best for you. Dedicated athletes, look no further. Though a considerable investment, the new iteration of the Theragun PRO comes with a host of clever upgrades, including a brushless motor for reduced noise, two new attachments, USB-C charging and a high-resolution OLED screen for following pre-set routines – a feature that earned high praise from our tester. There are four routines to choose from on the device, but they recommend connecting to the user-friendly Therabody app for myriad personalised options that target specific aches and pains. If you live in a flat share or in a house with small children, you might want to consider how noisy the massage gun is. Some of them are pretty noisy, which won’t be ideal if you’re using the massage gun in the evenings as part of your recovery routine.The Sportneer Elite D9 is a fantastic massage gun for the price. During testing, we found that it’s got the battery life of a model that’s nearly five times as expensive, a wide speed range to fit a variety of user preferences and specially designed attachments that allow you to incorporate oils into your massage. On the surface, you may wonder why anyone would shell out hundreds of dollars extra for a more well-known brand.

Massage gun brands state that their products provide a wide range of benefits, from promoting blood flow and accelerating muscle recovery to improving flexibility and encouraging lymphatic drainage. According to our tester, it’s a pleasure to use from the get-go thanks to its ergonomic design. It’s lightweight (no aching arms here) and the buttons are perfectly placed for easy access mid-pummel. Performance-wise, our massage experience was extremely smooth, with no painful jogging or juddering when it was moved over our joints. At 1.5 pounds, the Hypervolt Go 2 is seriously light. Surprisingly light, in fact, when you consider its top speed of 3,200 PPM — about the same as that of far more expensive, and heftier massage guns on the market. It’s lightweight enough to be portable and is approved by the TSA to stow in your carry-on, however, it doesn’t come in a carry case, which is a little disappointing, especially when the likes of the Theragun Mini does. If you prefer something more personalised, there are heaps of tutorials to choose from via the Therabody app. On-screen visuals show exactly where you need to massage, which motions to use and how long for. And, if you link it up with Apple Health or Strava, it will even suggest massages based on your recent workouts.

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The compact device comes with a sleek little travel case, with enough room to fit all the accessories, so you can easily take it to the gym or shove it in your suitcase if you’re jetting off on holiday.