Our tester, who also tested opove’s M3 Pro model, found the Apex to be easier to maneuver, as it is more compact and features a grippy handle for easy holding (a feature that the M3 Pro model lacked). The B37 turns off automatically after 10 minutes of use, a measure that a customer service rep told us protects the motor from burnout in case the B37 is accidentally left running unattended. (You can start it back up immediately.) Considering the kinetic nature of massage guns, that scenario seems unlikely.
For beginners or those on a budget, Recoverfun’s Mini Massage Gun is a great option—it’s easy to use, conveniently compact, and super budget-friendly. “At the end of the day, the product is only good if you’re going to use it, and I really enjoyed using this massage gun,” she said. “I reach for it after workouts, especially the day after when the delayed onset muscle soreness sets in,” she said.
She is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in which she holds an A.A.S. degree from St. Louis Community College – Meramec. Liz has advanced training in orthopedic physical therapy through NextGen PT and in movement analysis through Movement Links. Liz is passionate about providing parents and coaches with the knowledge and resources necessary to create a safe and enjoyable environment for young athletes.
(People with smaller hands might appreciate the size.) But overall, due to the shape and orientation of its handle, it doesn’t offer quite the flexibility that the Theragun Prime does. The Opove M3 Pro Max promises a four-hour battery life; we did more than three weeks’ worth of testing on one charge. The Mebak 3, one of the quietest massage guns we tried, comes with seven attachments (the most of our picks) and has a touchscreen display.
Massage guns promise to speed athletic recovery, increase circulation, decrease muscle pain and soreness, reduce inflammation, and increase mobility. Scientifically, however, the validity of those claimed benefits is a bit murky. Massage guns are safe to use every day, as long as you use proper technique, but you don’t want to overdo it since it can reduce the benefits of the therapy.
However, this Snailax gun (a steal at less than £50) is one of the good guys. There’s no hiding from the fact that most top massage guns will set you back a pretty penny, so we approached this more affordable RENPHO offering with a fair deal of scepticism. But, while it may not be much of a looker, it soon put our pessimism in its place. It’s hard to contest the credentials of a sports brand that boasts Cristiano Ronaldo among its clientele — the 36-year-old swears by Therabody sessions to recover from tough matches and training sessions. So, as you might expect, the Theragun Elite exudes quality from handle to massage head.
This HoMedics model delivers a less-intense deep-tissue massage but is light and comfortable in the hand. Its four attachments include three made of plastic (bullet, flat, fork) and one made of a lighter, less durable-feeling foam (ball). However, if you’re loyal to Theragun and prefer a simple massage gun, the Prime is your best bet. The Hypervolt 2’s successor was louder and heavier than I would’ve liked, but it has five speeds and is a good option if you find the speeds on the Hypervolt 2 aren’t enough.
The battery life is also pretty impressive on the Elite — one full charge of the battery can get you up to two hours of operation. We also found it doesn’t take the Elite long to fully charge, making it a handy option for
anyone using the massage gun as a regular part of their recovery routine. The best massage guns work on sore and aching muscles, helping you prioritize exercise recovery without eye-watering massage therapist fees.
It’s the second edition of the popular Hypervolt massage gun and has three speeds. With its QuietGlide Technology, it’s quieter than some of its competition. My one gripe with the Elite is that it’s supposed to be one of Theragun’s quieter massage gun models, but I still thought it was on the louder side, especially as you amp up the power. If you’re content with keeping the massage gun at home and breaking it out when needed, the Theragun Elite is a solid pick. It has more power than the R3 and it’s backed up by a great brand that is improving each day. Also, many of the entry-level brands tend to sometimes overcompensate here because they lack in amplitude.
The Theragun Prime, my all-time favorite pick, has a stall force of 30 pounds for reference. Dampener massage head attachments are designed so that they compress slightly when they make contact with the body. This makes them great for very sore or tender muscles, as the impact won’t be as blunt. The stall force for this gun is not listed by the manufacturer, but even though the motor is quiet, it’s still powerful. Whether you have irritating jaw pain or facial muscle tension, this innovative facial tool uses gentle percussive massage to ease discomfort.