Looking for a simple, easy-to-use self-massage tool that does the job on virtually any muscle in your body?
A percussion massage gun is all you need to soften stiff muscles. You can use it to relieve muscle aches, pain and soreness, speed up muscle recovery and reduce your risk for exercise injuries.
A percussion massage gun is a handheld device that sends pulses of pressure that penetrate deep into muscle tissue.
The result can be likened to a deep-tissue massage from a masseuse, and it’s ideal for workout recovery and to relieve pain caused by muscle tightness.
From your neck to your lower back and down to your feet, it can help you relieve tension and pain at home or on the go.
In this post, we’re weighing the pros and cons of 10 great percussion massage guns on the market and revealing our top pick at the end.
In this article, we’re going to review the following:
- VYBE Personal Percussion Massage Gun
- Theragun G3 Percussive Therapy Device
- TheraGun G3 PRO
- Booster Massage Gun
- Vybe Pro Massage Gun
- Hyperice Hypervolt Portable Massage Device
- Theragun Liv Percussive Massager
- Pleno M3.0 Massager Gun
- Bivi Massage Gun
- TimTam Power Massager
The Benefits of Percussion Massage Guns
The deep-tissue percussion massage provided by a massage gun enhances and speeds up the recovery of muscles after workouts.
It releases lactic acid from the muscles, flushing out metabolic waste from a hard workout. It increases blood flow, making oxygen and nutrients available to muscles so they can start building back up.
By penetrating the tissue, percussion massage guns also give muscles a gentle stretch, which helps improve your range of motion.
Using it before a workout can improve your performance and help prevent injury simply by loosening muscles and enhancing their mobility [1].
Studies show that percussion massages significantly reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after strenuous activity.
Deep tissue massage also helps balance your hormones and improve your mood by lowering cortisol levels and triggering the release of endorphins.
The best part about a percussion massage gun is that it’s easy to take with you on the go.
You can bring it to the gym, use it at your office to combat tightness at your desk, and take it with you when you travel.
Unlike foam rollers and massage balls, percussion massage guns don’t require the effort it takes to push into muscle tissue with your own body weight. It’s also easier to get precise and pinpoint specific trigger points.
Percussion Massage Gun Vs. Percussion Massager: What’s the Difference?
Percussion massagers work by delivering a ‘hammer’ like type of massage where the head of the massager bounces and hits the body wherever you position it over.
For the sake of simplicity we like to divide percussion massagers into two categories according to their design.
The first is percussion massage guns and the second is percussion massagers with long handles.
While they both deliver percussion massage therapy, the main difference is that a percussion massage gun puts more power behind it.
It’s designed ergonomically to mimic a heat gun, a staple gun or power tool, so you can target a specific point accurately.
The other kind of percussion massagers are more wand- or stick-like, whereas the grip on a percussion massage gun makes it easier to control.
On the other hand, the length of a percussion massager can make it easier to reach your back muscles, whereas a percussion massage gun may not have as much reach.
If you think a standard percussion is more for you, check out our post on the best percussion massagers.
In this post we are going to focus in on massage guns.
How to Identify a Quality Percussion Massage Gun
There are all kinds of options on the market, including low-quality massagers trying to copy the bigger name brands.
We’ve tried a lot and have now learnt what to look out for when choosing a good massage gun.
Here’s what you should look for to identify a great percussion massage gun to ensure your investment is worthwhile:
Design
Massage guns typically come in a traditional ‘axe’ shape however they are starting to appear in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
Look for one that comes with a comfortable-to-hold design that also has the ability to hit the hard-to-reach areas of your body.
Long Battery Life
Battery matters when it comes to percussion massage guns, because they’re cordless.
An effective massage depends on a strong, long-lasting battery that can power the motor and sustain operation as long as you need for a massage session.
The last thing you want is to fully charge up your battery only for it to die 10 minutes into your session leaving you waiting around for it to charge up again.
There are two ways out of this. Get a massage gun which can deliver long sessions without needing a recharge. Or look for massagers that come with interchangeable batteries, so you quickly switch over to a fully charged one if you run out of charge.
Speed and Power
Speed and power dictate the intensity of massage a percussion gun offers, so it’s important to have a motor with higher wattage and more torque.
If you choose a massage gun without a lot of power you may grow out of it quickly as you get used to it. You would then need to buy a more powerful one to get more release in your muscles.
However, choosing one that is too powerful will be pointless for you if it’s too painful to use.
Choosing a massage gun with the right power for you is vital.
Options for Customization
Percussion massage guns that give you more options, including different speed settings, rotational angles and attachment heads, can give you more value.
That’s because they reach and target more areas of your body, as you can customize the intensity and size of the percussion head to meet the demands of different muscles.
Noise Level
The noise level of a massage tool is a make-or-break for some. Since massage guns are made to deliver a lot of power they are notoriously noisy.
If it bothers you or others in your home to use a massager on your body that’s as loud as a power tool or blender, look for one that’s designed to be quiet.
However, quieter percussion massage guns do tend to be more expensive and deliver less power, so it’s a trade-off.
10 Great Percussion Massage Guns: The Pros & Cons
We’ve done the research on 10 of the best percussion massage guns on the market today and listed them in no particular order with the best pick at the end of the article.
We’ve reviewed them for their speed, power, portability, battery life, value, quality and customer satisfaction.
1. VYBE Personal Percussion Massage Gun
- NOT QUIET, BUT POWERFUL If you’re looking for...
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: If you're not completely...
- QUALITY The Vybe is a well built high quality...
Pros:
- Very effective in providing deep tissue massage by delivering lots of power
- Comes with 2 batteries you can switch out
- Includes carrying case
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Operates loudly
- Motor heats up and emits a smell
Hands down, the VYBE personal percussion massage gun gets the job done, as scores of customers have used it regularly to recover from workouts and treat painful chronic conditions.
There are some drawbacks to it, but its ability to give you an effective deep-tissue massage without a masseuse is what makes it a great buy regardless.
It comes with an extra battery so that you never have to wait for your device to recharge before using it again. It also has a carrying case that makes it all-the-more portable.
The biggest downside is the noise it makes. It’s so loud that the company admits to it in its description of the product. Customers have compared it to a power saw or a blender. Most don’t mind because of how well it works.
However, a few complain they can’t use it for more than a few minutes at a time because of the noise.
It is worth noting that there are other versions of the VYBE Massage Gun available, differentiated according to the level of noise they emit.
- VYBE (this model) – 80-100 Decibels (Loud)
- VYBE PRO – 60 Decibels (Quiet)
- VYBE PRO PREMIUM – 50-60 Decibels (Ultra Quiet)
The other complaint about the VYBE is that the motor isn’t the best. It tends to heat up the device after a few minutes of use and emit an electrical ozone smell.
Nonetheless, the VYBE massage gun has a pretty good track record of withstanding its use over time.
2. Theragun G3 Percussive Therapy Device
- Instantly relieve pain, enhance performance &...
- 2 Essential Speeds: Customize treatment with our...
- Superior Construction & Design: Featuring a...
Pros:
- 4 attachment heads give you more options for customizing your massage
- 2 intensity options
- Operates quietly
- 40 pounds of force with each pulse
Cons:
- Expensive
- Power weakens as the battery loses charge
The Theragun G3 device gives you 2 intensity options so you can treat highly sensitive areas with less pain.
It’s very quiet, especially compared to the VYBE massager.
However, some users do find the noise level irritating. Wearing headphones for longer self-massage sessions can help offset the noise.
The only other major complaint is that the Theragun G3 seems to lose its power as the battery loses its charge. While the battery does last an hour, the initial 40 pounds of force it starts with seems to reduce after about half an hour, according to users.
Nevertheless, most users appreciate the 40 pounds of force the G3 offers, describing it as much more intense than the Hypervolt (reviewed below).
Another way it one-ups the VYBE device is that it comes with 4 attachment heads you can switch out to hit different muscles with different shapes. Three of the attachment heads are more rounded, and they’re all different sizes.
The fourth head is pointed, and it’s great for penetrating deep into muscle tissue and releasing specific trigger points with great accuracy.
3. TheraGun G3 PRO
- THE PROFESSIONAL DEEP MUSCLE TREATMENT EXPERTS...
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE, ERGONOMIC HANDLE. Hold our...
- 50% QUIETER THAN PREVIOUS MODELS. Designed by MIT...
Pros:
- Packs all the power you could possibly need from a massage gun to penetrate deep into muscle tissue and work out knots
- Adjusts to 4 different angles for better reach and comfort of use
- Includes 2 batteries so you can use it longer without recharging
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be too intense for your neck and shoulders
- Weighs 3.1 pounds, which may be heavy for some after a while of use
The G3 Pro is Theragun’s upgraded version of the G3. What makes it an upgrade is that its arm adjusts to 4 different angles so you can have a further range of motion when using the device.
For example, adjusting it so that the arm extends straight outward from the device instead of at a 90-degree angle allows you to reach further along your body. It also packs more power than the G3, delivering up to 60 pounds of force with each pulse.
With the G3 Pro, you get 2 batteries instead of 1 so you don’t have to wait for the battery to recharge. You also get 2 additional attachment heads, including one with a thin edge like a shovel, which could help target muscles close to bones without hammering the bone.
Besides all the bells and whistles, what you’re really paying so much more for with the G3 Pro is the extra force it provides. Notably, this is not for everyone. If you need a massager to help you with neck and shoulder pain or tightness, you should go with a lighter version like the Theragun liv.
Users who tried the G3 Pro on their neck or shoulders found it was too strong and only worsened their pain. On the other hand, if you’ve tried other percussion massagers and felt that they weren’t hammering hard enough, you should definitely try the G3 Pro.
Users reported that it prevents delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) when used after an intense workout.
You pay a whole lot more to get the bells and whistles better quality the G3 and G3 Pro offer in comparison to the VYBE massager.
Getting the job done at a lower cost is possible, but Theragun offers premium products for those who want the best.
If you are interested in the Theragun G3 PRO and want to know more, be sure to see our on hands Theragun G3 PRO review.
4. Booster Massage Gun
![Massage Gun Muscle Deep Relaxation - [Upgrade] Body Massager Vibration Fascia Impact Gun...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qa42fed7L.jpg)
Pros:
- Includes 2 batteries you can switch out
- Comes with 3 attachment heads that are different sizes
- Change between 6 different intensity levels
Cons:
- Very loud
The Booster massage gun offers a lot of the same benefits as the Theragun G3, and even the G3 Pro. However, its noise level is comparable to the VYBE massager.
It can work up to 60 minutes before it needs to be recharged, and it packs a ton of power to deliver effective relief from tension, stiffness and pain.
It comes with 3 different massage heads so you can create a custom feel using a larger ball, smaller ball or cone, depending on the area you’re targeting. It offers 6 speeds for a wide range of intensity.
Relative to other massage guns, the Booster really gives you the chance to customize your massage experience. This could potentially let you get more use out of a massage gun by letting you target more areas with more accuracy.
5. Vybe Pro Massage Gun
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: We stand by the Vybe Pro...
- QUALITY The Vybe is a well built high quality...
- QUIET & POWERFUL if you’re looking for a quiet...
Pros:
- 3 hours of battery life
- Operates quietly
- Slip-resistant silicone grip
- Comes with unique forkhead and shovelhead massage heads not featured with other massage guns
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t deliver the maximal force required for penetrating tough muscle tissue
While the VYBE personal percussion massage gun offers many features and gives you a ton of value in one product, the VYBE Pro provides even more.
It has a totally different shape and grip, and instead of giving you just 3 massage heads and 6 speeds, the VYBE Pro comes with 5 attachment heads and 9 different speeds.
Made with a 24-volt brushless motor and double-bearing transmission, it’s noise-reducing and much quieter than the original VYBE.
Unfortunately, some of the power is sacrificed with this technology, as the VYBE Pro delivers 33 pounds of maximal force instead of the 60 pounds of force offered by the original.
That means you don’t get the extra pressure required for deeply penetrating tight muscles. The VYBE Pro offers a level of percussion that’s more comfortable, but if you need heavy-duty pressure, go with the VYBE instead.
The new attachment heads the VYBE Pro features are the forkhead and the shovelhead. The forkhead has 2 nodes in one attachment head designed to work along your spine without harming the bone.
The shovelhead is a flat edge able to dig into muscles partially hidden beneath bone, like muscles around the spine, hip bones and shoulder blades.
6. Hyperice Hypervolt Portable Massage Device
- QUIET GLIDE TECHNOLOGY- whisper quiet percussion...
- 3 SPEED SETTINGS deliver up to 3200 percussions...
- UP TO 3 HOURS OF USE PER CHARGE- Rechargeable...
Pros:
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Very quiet operation
- Includes 4 attachment heads
Cons:
- Liable to breaking
- Isn’t guaranteed to last long
The Hyperice Hypervolt massager is on the expensive side like the Theragun, but it’s also a high-quality option for those who need a quieter device.
Hyperice claims they have the quietest massage gun on the market, made with patented aerospace-grade technology.
You get 3-speed levels, and it’s easy to use with great control and accuracy. You can choose between 4 attachment heads, including 2 different sized balls, a cone shape and a flat disk shape for loosening up larger muscle groups.
The Hypervolt works fantastically–until it doesn’t.
Many customers have complained the device is poorly built and highly liable to breaking after a while. If it breaks within a year, you can have it replaced, as there’s a 1-year warranty.
There’s no guarantee this product will last you through the years.
7. Theragun Liv Percussive Massager
- THE DEEP MUSCLE TREATMENT EXPERTS TRUST. Backed by...
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE, ERGONOMIC HANDLE. Hold our...
- ENGINEERED FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS....
Pros:
- A more affordable Theragun option
- Ergonomic grip and lightweight design
- Fairly quiet
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide the same strength of force as the G3 or G3 Pro
- Only 1 speed and 2 attachment heads
- Only 45 minutes of battery life
The Theragun liv is another percussion massage gun Theragun has rolled out.
Priced slightly lower than the G3, it’s designed as a lightweight, easy-to-use massage gun for everyday relief. Whereas the G3 provides 40 pounds of force and the G3 pro delivers 60 pounds, the Theragun liv produces 30 pounds of force and comes with 2 different massage head attachments.
If you don’t need the most heavy-duty level of treatment and you just want to help your muscles recover or loosen up to relieve everyday pain or stiffness, the Theragun liv is a good option.
Whereas the G3 Pro weighs 3.1 pounds, the liv only weighs 2.5 pounds, so it’s easier to handle and use.
Despite not being as heavy-duty as other options, users have been surprised by how well it works. Some have even used it to effectively relieve pain from chronic issues like sciatica, low back pain and shin splints.
The overall consensus is that it’s powerful enough to get the job done, but it’s not so powerful that it hurts. Whereas the G3 Pro weighs 3.1 pounds, the liv only weighs 2.5 pounds, so it’s easier to handle and use, and a better option for travel.
8. Pleno M3.0 Massager Gun
- DESIGNED FOR MUSCLE RELIEF. Pleno deep tissue...
- PROVEN BY SCIENCE: Scientifically proven vibration...
- THE FIRST-EVER SIX-SPEED SHIFT ADJUSTMENT DESIGN,...
Pros:
- Adjustable angle
- 4 attachment heads included
- 6-speed levels
- 1-year warranty
- Great value at a lower price
Cons:
- Noisy
The Pleno M3.0 massage gun gives you 6 options for speed and 4 different attachment heads, making it highly customizable. Like the Theragun G3 Pro, you can adjust the angle of the head. It gives you 3 options–vertical, horizontal or 45 degrees.
You can count on this device to do the trick. It packs a ton of power and its ergonomic grip makes it easy to use.
It’s a lot less expensive than its competitors but has all the bells and whistles and a 1-year warranty.
The only catch is that it’s one of the louder ones. If noise isn’t a problem for you, you’re getting a great value with the Pleno M3.0.
9. Bivi Massage Gun
- 60 Pounds Max Stall Force. This is not for the...
- DEEP-TISSUE MASSAGE: Increase lymphatic flow and...
- RECOVER FASTER: Increase your mobility, blood flow...
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Great price
Cons:
- Operates loudly
- Motor generates plenty of power but emits a smell when operating
The Bivi massage gun is more on the economic side but packs lots of value. It has 6 speeds and 3 attachment heads, including a larger ball, smaller ball and point stick.
It also adjusts to 3 different angles so you can customize the tool to reach and target a wider range of areas. It works well, but there’s definitely a difference in the level of quality between the Bivi and high-end guns like the Hypervolt and Theragun G3.
It’s very loud and the motor tends to emit a smell when operating. However, happy customers like the way the Bivi offers a wider range of intensity levels compared to these top brands.
As you continue using a massage gun over time, your muscle tissue loosens up and can handle a higher intensity without the pain.
10. TimTam Power Massager
- Therapeutic: helps break down knots, increase...
- Powerful: delivers up to 2000 strokes per minute.
- Durable: patent-pending threaded shaft provides...
Pros:
- Covered by a 1-year warranty
- Great price
Cons:
- Very loud
- Liable to breaking
- Battery life shortens over time with use
- Only 1 speed
TimTam’s massage gun is the cheapest on this list, but it shows in the level of quality. Rest assured, it’s effective while working, but the materials and workmanship aren’t top-notch.
Many customers have had it break after a while, or ordered a defective unit. Others have complained the rechargeable battery wears down over time, causing it to need frequent charging.
Thankfully, TimTam includes a 1-year warranty with the product. After that, you have to hope it lasts.
Nonetheless, you’re getting great value for the amount you pay, because it really delivers the power and speed to penetrate muscle tissue and loosen tension.
Its noise level is comparable to a power tool, so it’s not at all quiet.
Also, it only has 1 option for speed, so if being able to increase your intensity level incrementally is important to you, don’t go with this massager.
The Best Option: Theragun G3 Series
- Instantly relieve pain, enhance performance &...
- 2 Essential Speeds: Customize treatment with our...
- Superior Construction & Design: Featuring a...
While each massage gun on this list has its pros and cons, the Theragun G3 (and the G3 Pro) stands out as the best of the best. If you are interested in the G3 PRO model, head on over to our Theragun G3 PRO review to further help you decide if it is the right massage gun for you.
Its quality, durability, relatively low noise level and many customization options make it a great investment. While there are cheaper options, they come at the price of quality and they’re hard on your ears.
With the Theragun, you should get great use out of it for years to come without encountering problems. With the outstanding effectiveness it provides, it’s not surprising many professional massage therapists and fitness trainers rely on the Theragun to help their clients.
If the Theragun is well out of your price range and you are willing to accept a lot of noise, then the VYBE massage gun by Exerscribe seems to be a popular option.
Getting Started with Percussion Massage Therapy
There are all kinds of self-massage tools on the market, which can cost you anywhere from $10 to $4,000 and above. The great thing about percussion massage guns is that they can give you a deep tissue massage on virtually any part of your body, unlike massagers that are limited to use on one area, like your back, neck or feet.
You have a lot of control over the massage and can pinpoint the exact muscle you want to release. It really gives you the power to be your own masseuse and work on a specific area that’s giving you chronic trouble or loosen up your entire body after a hard workout.
Considering the versatility it provides, it’s a good idea to go with a high-quality, name-brand percussion massage gun so you can really get the most out of percussion massage therapy.