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Overall massage gun
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Overall massage gun
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Massage gun for plantar fasciitis
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Massage gun for pregnancy
A massage gun is a handheld device that delivers rapid bursts of pressure into the body's muscle tissue. It's like having a personal, portable masseuse—great for working out knots and easing muscle tension, especially after a heavy workout or a long day at work.
When it comes to choosing the best massage gun for your needs, consider factors like intensity levels, attachments, battery life, and portability. Some massage guns even come with built-in heat therapy!
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for you. To make it easier, the team at Finder has evaluated hundreds of options from various brands available on Amazon. We picked massage guns based on key product features, such as price, user reviews, and overall effectiveness.
Read more detail on our methodology below.
The Theragun Prime Handheld Massager is undoubtedly a top contender for the best overall massage gun on the market today. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it's clear that this device lives up to its promises.
Its key features include the proprietary brushless QX65 motor with QuietForce technology, giving users a powerful and deep muscle treatment that is quieter than most massage devices. It also has an outstanding 120-minute battery life, a significant upgrade from previous generations. The device also boasts of 5-speed ranges displayed on an LED screen, an ergonomic multi-grip feature for easy handling, and smart app integration that connects via Bluetooth to offer personalised wellness routines.
Despite all these fantastic features, it's worth noting that the Prime comes with a higher price tag than its competitors, which might be a downside for some. Additionally, the app integration may be excessive for users who prefer a more straightforward, app-free experience.
The Hydragun Massage Gun has been designed to eliminate muscle pain without annoying your eardrums. It's being billed as the quietest massage gun on the market and we can happily attest to those claims: during operation, it remained almost soundless even at the highest settings, maxing out at a whisper-quiet 50 decibels.
It is also versatile, with no fewer than 7 detachable heads included in the package. These include a ball head for larger muscle groups, a curved head for forearms, biceps and shoulders, a bullet head for feet and inner joints, a fork for deeper penetration and 3 steel heads for a firmer massage. Each head had 6 speed settings, providing up to 3,200 revolutions per minute / 53 percussions per second.
All of the included attachments work exceptionally well, but the star is unquestionably the ball head. During testing, I used it on my glutes, calves and hips to relieve tension and it gave me instant relief. The variety of heads ensures no muscles are neglected, including difficult to reach areas such as between your shoulder blades.
I was also impressed by the Hydragun's battery life. You can expect to get multiple, lengthy massages before it needs to be plugged in. (Charging the device takes several hours so this definitely appreciated.)
On the downside, Hydragun does not offer an integrated app, unlike Therabody. This means you cannot control the gun or monitor usage via your phone.
With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 7,000 Amazon reviews, we picked the ZonGym Massage Gun as the best option under $100.
It's noteworthy for its 30 adjustable speed levels and 10 special massage heads, offering a customisable massage experience that caters to individual needs and preferences. Plus, the gun is equipped with a 2400 mAh fast-charging and long-lasting battery, a feature that ensures continuous operation for up to 6 hours.
Some users have noted that while the ZonGym Massage Gun sufficiently addresses general muscle relaxation and daily body massages, it might fall short of providing more intense muscle stimulation. It's also a bit noisier than other models on the market, making it less suitable for quiet environments.
We recommend Pulseroll's Percussion Mini Deep Tissue Massage Gun for the best mini massage gun. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
This compact yet powerful device claims to be scientifically validated to assist in muscle recovery and alleviate soreness and pain post-workout. Cherished by hundreds of customers, it offers an economical and efficient substitute for costly and often inconvenient massage appointments. And armed with a robust 7.4V rechargeable battery, a mere 3-hour charge bestows up to 3 hours of usage, depending on the power level setting.
Some customers said it doesn't have a low-power setting, which may deter those seeking gentler muscle stimulation. Others also wish it had a longer battery life to make it more travel-friendly. However, this seems to be a minor concern.
The Beurer MG185 Massage Gun is our pick for the best vibration massage gun, boasting an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
This high-performance device delivers an effective vibration massage that effortlessly loosens tension, strengthens muscles, and promotes regeneration. The MG185 is a versatile addition to any fitness regimen, ideal for both post-training recovery and home gym use. Its five interchangeable massage heads can be adjusted for use on any body part, offering a truly comprehensive massage experience.
The MG185 doesn't compromise on power, either. With a rechargeable battery that operates for up to 5.5 hours and a maximum of 3,000 impulses per minute at the highest power level, this device delivers a robust massage despite its compact size.
The device also offers nine intensity levels and three massage programs, allowing plenty of customisation to effectively target specific muscle groups. It also features a user-friendly design, including a non-slip handle and an LED touch display, and it comes with a practical storage case for convenience.
However, some users might find it slightly bulkier than other models on the market, and while its weight is still manageable, a more streamlined design could improve its portability. Others also complained about the noise level, which can be slightly loud at higher intensity levels.
The HoMedics Physio Massage Gun, with an impressive rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, is our choice for the best percussion option.
This device is expertly designed to alleviate tight muscles and accelerate recovery, making it an ideal companion for workout enthusiasts and individuals with demanding physical routines. Its customisable features include three distinct massage heads catering to different muscle groups and three speed intensities adjustable between 2100 and 3000 rpm, promising a tailored massage experience to every user.
Being lightweight and portable, it boasts cordless operation and a storage bag, making it a perfect addition to any gym essentials. The ergonomic handle design also makes it much more comfortable and effortless to use for self-treatment.
However, there are a couple of areas that could benefit from some enhancements. For one, the device only comes with three massage heads, restricting its versatility to cater to a wider range of muscle groups. Additionally, the ergonomically designed handle might be cumbersome for those with larger hands.
We also picked the Theragun Prime Handheld Massager as a top-tier choice from the brand. It has notched an enviable 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The massage gun shines in terms of power, comfort, and technology. Equipped with a potent QX65 motor with QuietForce technology, it delivers an effective muscle treatment, notably quieter than most rival devices. Advanced features such as a 120-minute battery life, LED display for 5-speed ranges, ergonomic multi-grip, and smart app integration further add to its user-friendly appeal.
However, despite its high rating and plethora of features, the Prime has its disadvantages. One of the roadblocks for potential buyers might be its cost, which is higher than that of other brands in the market. Additionally, the smart app is a bit tricky to navigate, and users who prefer a more straightforward, app-free experience may find it excessive.
The HoMedics Pro Power Massage Gun is our pick for people with sciatica. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4,6 out of 5 stars.
The device features a high power rating that allows for a deep and effective massage, focusing on the areas where relief is most needed. The active heat-replaceable head is designed to alleviate tired, aching muscles and expedite recovery post-exercise.
It also offers targeted relief, allowing you to adjust the massage and reach every muscle. However, it's important to note that for optimal results, the attachments need to be screwed tight. The round head, in particular, is ideal for large muscle groups such as the arms, waist, and back.
Despite its powerful features, this massage gun has a lightweight design and is easily portable, thanks to its wireless operation and accompanying storage bag.
However, it's worth noting that users need to remember to charge the massager regularly to maintain its readiness. Furthermore, securing the attachments tightly for best results may prove to be a minor inconvenience for some.
For those battling the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, we recommend the Compex Fixx 1.0 Massages as the best choice. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Its three-angle adjustable head promises a wider muscle reach, ideal for targeting the intricate muscles associated with plantar fasciitis. The massager's quiet brushless motor ensures a peaceful massage session without any noise disruption, and the rechargeable battery, boasting a 90-minute lifespan with an accompanying LED light indicator, is a fantastic addition, too.
Plus, the versatility of this massager allows you to use it anywhere, be it at the gym, home, competition, work or even while travelling. It has a portable, lightweight design, making it convenient to carry wherever you go.
But while the massager does offer a range of angle adjustments, users may still find it challenging to access certain hard-to-reach areas effectively. Additionally, some users said it can get too intense for those with sensitive muscles.
The Beurer MG185 Massage Gun proves to be an excellent choice for easing calf muscles. Garnering a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 on Amazon, this tool provides an effective vibration massage that loosens tension and helps in muscle regeneration. This makes it ideal after rigorous workout sessions or as an addition to your home gym.
While it's remarkably lightweight at just 1075g (without attachments), it can deliver up to 3,000 impulses per minute at the highest power level. The massage gun also boasts 9 intensity levels and 3 massage programmes, allowing individual settings based on the specific muscle group.
However, it's worth noting that some may find the highest power level a bit too intense for their liking. Also, while the rechargeable battery offers a running time of up to 5.5 hours, usage at higher intensity settings may drain the battery quickly.
We picked RENPHO's R3 Power Upgrade Massage Gun as the best choice for providing relief during pregnancy. Its 4.5-star rating from over 2,000 Amazon reviews is a testament to the quality and effectiveness of the device.
Packed with features such as a high-torque brushless motor, LED touch display, USB-C charging, 6 massage heads, and 6 speed levels, it ensures a customised experience. The device alleviates muscle and fascia tissue soreness, which can be extremely beneficial during pregnancy. Moreover, the long battery life and auto-off timer make this gun a safe and reliable option for all users.
However, do note that the device can be a tad noisy and may produce an intense vibrating sensation. Some users also mentioned that the power button is slightly difficult to reach. Nonetheless, with its powerful performance and convenient features, the R3 is worth considering for your pre and post-natal massage needs.
The Hydragun StretchPad is a new technology concept that takes the benefits of a massage gun and transforms it into a whole-body experience. (Well, almost whole-body - it neglects the lower legs.)
The mat uses an innovative system of 22 inflatable air chambers to lift, pull, twist, roll and stretch the body. The end result is comprehensive massage that relieves stiffness from the neck, back and hips.
In all, there are 7 settings to choose from, ranging from a full-body deep massage to a targeted protocol for the neck and shoulders. It also includes heat therapy via an infrared heating function of 55° Celsius.
During testing, the mat took some time to get used to. There are no diagrams or photos in the manual, so it's not immediately obvious where you're supposed to position your head and buttocks.
You also need to remain completely relaxed and allow the air chambers to move you around without resisting. (In other words, don't tense up and go with the flow.)
After a bit of trial and error, we were highly impressed with the StretchPad's performance. It provides excellent upper body relief and compression to the hips. You can choose between 3 levels of intensity for all massage protocols and a duration of 10, 20 or 30 minutes.
On the downside, the Hydragun StretchPad isn't cheap with an RRP of $699. We would have liked a slightly longer cable for the remote control, too.
But all in all, this is an excellent massager that will leave you feeling loose and relaxed at the end of a hard day. It also comes with a 1.5 year warranty.
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To find the best massage guns in Australia, we began by searching for the highest-rated devices and reading customer reviews. We then considered factors including price, quality, features and customer reviews (as of November 2023) to help determine our winners. We evaluated options from the following brands:
Massage guns are electronic tools with percussive or vibrating arms that deliver pressure into muscles.
They assist post-workout recovery, reduce soreness and improve flexibility.
As the technology is new, evidence backing its benefits is largely anecdotal at this stage. However, a 2014 study delivered promising results, finding vibration therapy can help prevent and treat delayed onset muscle soreness (AKA DOMS).
"Massage guns are said to be helpful in improving muscle recovery, muscle range and flexibility; and reducing stiffness and pain," physiotherapist and chief operating officer of Sydney Physios and Allied Health Services, Patricia Issa, tells Finder.
"They definitely have a place in recovery and performance. Studies show that use in a warm-up regimen can optimise the flexibility of an athlete without losing muscle performance. What that means is more flexibility without affecting strength."
Issa says that while massage guns are excellent tools, it's important to note they're not for everyone.
"I would recommend seeking advice from a health professional such as a physiotherapist to ensure appropriate use. If used incorrectly, or if one has underlying medical conditions, there is some evidence of negative reactions such as severe hematoma (bruising) and, in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)."
Before committing to a massage gun it's a good idea to ask what features you want from it. If you're targeting several muscle groups you may want a massage gun with multiple attachments. If you're after a deep tissue massage, a massage gun with high speed and power could work best. Here are the key features to consider:
Manual handheld massagers made from plastic, timber or rubber offer a no-frills way to massage and hit trigger points. From $5, they're inexpensive but require a lot of effort to use.
Simple vibration massagers cost $12–$20 and provide a buzzing feeling on the skin which may be soothing. Once again, they generally don't provide the same effectiveness as a massage gun.
From $8, foam rollers are a cheap option for manually relieving muscle tension and improving range. They require a lot of manual labour as the user must physically roll back and forth.
Remedial massage is manual application of pressure to muscles by a trained massage therapist. At $55–$110 a pop, it can be expensive for ongoing treatment but could be highly effective as you'll be looked after by someone with extensive knowledge of human anatomy.
At over $200 for basic models to $2,000+ for upmarket options, these gadgets have electronic kneading nodes. They provide a relaxing experience, but generally lack targeted power.
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