5 Best Massage Guns in 2026 — For Recovery & Pain Relief

Why Use a Massage Gun?

Percussion therapy accelerates muscle recovery, reduces soreness (DOMS), and improves blood flow. Whether you are an athlete or someone with chronic back pain, a quality massage gun can make a real difference.

What We Tested For

• Stall force: How much pressure before the motor stalls (higher = deeper massage)
• Amplitude: Depth of percussion stroke in mm
• Noise level: Measured in dB at each speed setting
• Battery life: Real-world usage hours
• Attachment variety: Number and quality of included heads
• Ergonomics: Weight, grip, and reach for self-use

#1 Theragun PRO Plus — Best Overall

The gold standard. 60 lbs of stall force, proprietary triangle grip for self-use, and a smart app that guides routines. Expensive but unmatched.

Best for: Serious athletes, physical therapy, chronic pain

#2 Hypervolt 2 Pro — Best for Quiet Operation

Hyperice’s patented QuietGlide technology makes this the quietest powerful massage gun we tested. Perfect if you share a space.

Best for: Shared spaces, office use, noise-sensitive users

#3 Ekrin Athletics B37S — Best Mid-Range

This punches way above its price. 56 lbs of stall force rivals the Theragun at half the cost. Outstanding battery life of 6+ hours.

Best for: Best bang-for-buck, home gym users

#4 Bob and Brad Q2 Mini — Best Mini

Physical therapists Bob and Brad designed this compact powerhouse. Fits in a jacket pocket but delivers surprising percussion depth.

Best for: Travel, office desk, on-the-go recovery

#5 Lifepro Dynaflex Mini — Best Budget

Under $70 and still delivers solid performance. Great entry point if you’re new to percussion therapy.

Best for: First-time buyers, casual users, gift idea