When I first started reviewing massage guns in 2018, they were all bulky and unwieldy, especially the best massage guns with the strongest motors. As it happens with tech, these devices shrunk over time. You can now enjoy much of the same power and muscle recovery benefits in a much smaller package.
The best mini massage guns pack a punch despite weighing just a few pounds (or less). Our team of trainers and athletes tested nearly a dozen to suss out top-performing models. While testing, we analyzed:
- Portability: For a massage gun to classify as “mini” in our book, it needs to weigh less than 1.5 pounds and the entire profile should weigh less than 3 with the carrying case, attachments, and charger together. To earn a 3-out-of-5 score, massage guns meet that standard. Higher-scoring models weigh even less.
- Power: To earn at least 3 points, we look for an amplitude (maximum depth reached) of 6 millimeters and a stall force (the force it takes to stop the motor) of 10 pounds.
- Speeds: Our benchmark for a 3-point score is, at least, three speeds. Four to five available speed settings earn a 4-out-of-5 rating, and massage guns with five or more speeds earn a 5-point score.
- Battery life: Mini massage guns earn a score of 3 out of 5 if they last at least 2.5 hours on a single charge; mini massage guns that score a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating in this category can routinely go five or more hours without the need for a recharge.
Over the years, we’ve helped connect over 650,000 athletes with high-quality recovery gear from the best cold plunges and foam rollers to saunas, compression boots, and (of course) massage guns. Interested in joining the ranks? We’re confident that the following details can hit the mark when it comes to getting you acquainted with the best mini massage guns available today.
The 5 Best Mini Massage Guns of 2025
- Best Mini-Massage Gun Overall – Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
- Best Mini Massage Gun for Travel – Hypervolt Go 2
- Best Mini Massage Gun for Athlete – Theragun Mini
- Best Budget Mini Massage Gun – Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
- Best Mini Massage Gun with Heat – Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini Massage Gun
Current Top Deals
- Ekrin Athletics BANTAM – Sign up & unlock 20% off your first order
- Hypervolt Go 2 – Refer a friend & you both receive $25 off
- Theragun Mini – 10% off for new email subscribers
Editor’s Note
At Garage Gym Reviews, we are always testing the latest in muscle recovery tools and updating this page to reflect our favorite finds. Our team of certified personal trainers, elite athletes, and home gym experts has tested more than 20 massage guns, including several of the mini variety. In October 2025, we expanded our lineup to include two Bob & Brad models: the Q2 Mini Pro and M7 Plus. Additionally, we’ve updated each review here with new tester insights and more detailed info to keep you up-to-date on the latest massage gun technology.
Best Mini-Massage Gun Overall: Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
If you are looking for a massage gun that is both powerful and portable, you cannot go wrong with the Ekrin BANTAM Mini Massage Gun. While it may be a bit pricier than its competitors, it offers what most can not. It offers the best of both worlds—the power of a regularly sized massage gun in a super compact and lightweight package.
What our tester says:
What’s interesting about this massage gun is that it has progressive stall force, meaning the stall force increases with speed. The BANTAM has 28 lb stall force at the lowest speed, 32 lb at the middle speed, and 35 lb at the highest speed. This is unusual, but the 28 lb stall force is still higher than any mini massage gun I’ve tried.
At a Glance
- Incredible battery life
- Deep-tissue amplitude
- 3 speed settings
- Max speed of 3,200 PPM
I first tested the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM in 2021, and I’ve remained a big fan ever since. It easily secured the best overall spot due to its impressive six-hour battery life (nearly double the next-highest on this list), 10-millimeter amplitude, and high max speed of 3,200 repetitions or percussions per minute (RPM/PPM).
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Portability: 4.5/5
Amplitude: 4/5
Noise level: 5/5
Why We Like the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
This mini massage gun astounded us with its six-hour battery life—the longest we’ve seen across all mini massage guns we’ve researched. The benchmark standard is two hours, so the BANTAM easily earned a perfect 5-out-of-5 score for this category. Additionally, its amplitude is on the high end, reaching 10 millimeters into the muscle tissue. That’s a far cry from our benchmark of 6 millimeters for minis, earning the BANTAM another 5-point score.
It comes with four massage heads (Ball, Flat, Fork, and Bullet), earning a 4-out-of-5 rating for attachments. I also appreciate its quietness in operation. For context, I downloaded a noise detection app to test the BANTAM’s decibels, and the readings topped out at 61 with speed settings set to the max 3,200 RPM. That earned the BANTAM a 5-point score for noise.
“What’s interesting about this massage gun is that it has progressive stall force, meaning the stall force increases with speed: 28 pounds at the lowest speed, 32 at the middle speed, and 35 at the highest speed.”
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Alternatives
Truthfully, there’s not much to dislike about the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM. If anything, I wish it had more speed settings, but I still think three is sufficient—that’s our benchmark and Ekrin met it to earn a score of 3 out of 5.
Want more speeds? Go for the Bob & Brad Q2 Mini Pro, which boasts five speed settings—the high end of what we’ve seen in mini massage guns.
Testing Breakdown
The Ekrin Athletics BANTAM mini massage gun scored favorably across all categories, with particularly high marks for its power, force, and motor, as well as noise level and customer support.
Vs. The Average
The BANTAM far outweighs the competition in terms of battery life, and it has a slightly higher amplitude and maximum speed.
| Ekrin Athletics BANTAM | Average Mini Massage Gun | |
| Price | $160 | $114 |
| Amplitude | 10 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Speed settings | 3 | 4 |
| Maximum speed | 3,200 RPM | 2,920 RPM |
| Number of massage heads | 4 | 4 |
| Battery life | 6 hours | 3.6 hours |
| Product weight | 1.1 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
Best Mini Massage Gun for Travel: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
For athletes wanting a simple, ergonomic mini massage gun to fill out their gym bag, the Hypervolt Go 2 can deliver. While it lacks a carrying case for organization, the light weight of 1.5 pounds and two available attachments are easy to store in a small pocket, and the stall force is just enough for on-the-go relief.
What our tester says:
The listed battery life is three hours, which is underwhelming even when compared to other mini massage guns. That said, the charging time is quick and efficient, which I attribute to the newer USB-C charging port. Past iterations just had a standard DC charger that took longer to reach full capacities.
At a Glance
- 2 massage heads included
- 3 speed settings
- Max speed and amplitude not disclosed
- Ergonomic, sweat-resistant handle
TSA-approved for carry-on and weighing in at just 1.5 pounds, the Hypervolt Go 2 is your ideal travel companion. I spoke to product tester Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, who raved about its packability. “It fits neatly in a small accessory pocket or gym bag,” he says. “I’ve rarely had issues with finding a proper storage area for my massage gun and routinely keep it on-hand for gym workouts and softball games.”
Amplitude: 5/5
Accessories: 3/5
Ergonomics: 4.5/5
Why We Like the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
The Go 2 earns a near-perfect 4.5-point score from Ben for ergonomics, impressing with its nonslip handle. “The handle features a nonslip, comfortable coating and I really enjoy the angled design. It’s easy for me to change grip positions in order to hit every ache and pain I’m aiming to treat,” he says. Ben adds that he docked the half-point because the handle is a bit thicker than other massage guns and may be uncomfortable to those with smaller hands.
Ben also rates this massage gun highly for value, awarding it a 4-out-of-5 score and calling out its FSA and HSA eligibility. If you need to use up those FSA funds before year-end and you’re looking to prioritize muscle recovery, add the Go 2 to your shopping list.
“The 10-millimeter amplitude is shorter than standard massage guns, but very comparable when looking at mini massage guns. That said, the stall force is lacking at roughly 15 pounds, which may be too low for deep aches and pains.”
Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC
Alternatives
While the Hypervolt Go 2 wows with its amplitude and ergonomics, Ben mentions that its attachments and accessories can be lackluster. He gives the device 3 out of 5 points, saying, “You get two attachments and no travel case for easier storage or portability. That said, Hyperice does offer an ‘Accessories Pack’ for $25, which I do recommend purchasing given the low MSRP of the Go 2 massage gun.”
Looking for an even deeper massage than the Hypervolt Go 2’s 10 millimeters? Try the Theragun Mini, which reaches 12 millimeters into the muscle tissue—that’s the deepest amplitude we’ve come across.
Testing Breakdown
Our tester rated the Hypervolt Go 2 highly across key categories like travel and portability, as well as ergonomics. As far as power specifications, though, the Go 2 earned mostly average scores.
Vs. The Average
The Hypervolt Go 2 falls slightly below average for speed settings, battery life, and number of massage heads. Hypervolt also fails to list some key specs, like max speed and amplitude, though we have confirmed the numbers via the product manual and a Hyperice representative in the past.
| Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 | Average Mini Massage Gun | |
| Price | $139 | $114 |
| Amplitude | 10 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Speed settings | 3 | 4 |
| Maximum speed | 2,800 RPM | 2,920 RPM |
| Number of massage heads | 2 | 4 |
| Battery life | 3 hours | 3.6 hours |
| Product weight | 1.5 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
Read our full Hypervolt Go review for more details and tester insights.
Best Mini Massage Gun for Athletes: Theragun Mini
With its unique shape and lightweight feel, the Theragun Mini can be ideal for treating tired muscles on the go. Plus, Bluetooth compatibility allows you to sync this massage gun to the Therabody app for guided modalities and smartphone settings adjustments.
What our tester says:
Between my husband and I we use this for maybe 10 minutes per week and we don’t have to charge it much at all. Once plugged in it takes less than one hour to fully charge back up.
At a Glance
- Incredibly powerful motor
- Above-average amplitude
- Unique ergonomic grip
- Has Bluetooth connectivity
The Theragun Mini gets our vote as the best mini massage gun for athletes due to its deep amplitude, high stall force, and powerful motor, which simulates deep-tissue massage better than any other mini massage gun we’ve tried. I chatted with product tester Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, who says that despite its petite size, the Theragun Mini delivers more than enough force for her needs.
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Portability: 5/5
Speeds: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Why We Like the Theragun Mini
Among Nicole’s favorite features is the ergonomic design of the handle. This unique, patented triangle grip aims to alleviate stress on the wrist, and it works. Nicole rates ergonomics with 5 out of 5 points, saying, “I love the size of this. It’s easy to grip and maneuver, and because it only weighs 1.5 pounds, you don’t get tired from holding it after a few minutes.”
The Theragun Mini is also the most powerful mini massage gun we’ve tried—or even found online—with an impressive 12-millimeter amplitude, which is double our benchmark for a satisfactory mini model. It also has a higher stall force of 20 pounds, which is above average for minis. Together, this earns the device a 5-out-of-5 score for power.
“I have a couple of other massage guns and still reach for this one more often than not, simply because it’s more powerful than the others.”
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
Alternatives
Nicole calls out the noise level of the Theragun Mini, which her app clocked at nearly 70 decibels at the highest speed. While that’s not terrible, it’s a little louder than other options. As such, Nicole scores the Mini’s noise level at 3 out of 5. This model is also quite pricey at $220, though we do think it’s worth the money if you can swing it.
For something a bit more affordable (and quiet) that can still deliver a powerful massage, check out the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM. It’s our top overall choice with a 10-millimeter amplitude and top speed of 3,200 RPM.
Testing Breakdown
While the Theragun Mini earned average scores for some key criteria, like speeds and battery life, it earned perfect scores for power-related specs like force and amplitude.
Vs. The Average
The Theragun Mini is more expensive than the average mini massage gun, but it’s also much more powerful and has a substantially deeper amplitude.
| Theragun Mini | Average Mini Massage Gun | |
| Price | $200 | $114 |
| Amplitude | 12 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Speed settings | 3 | 4 |
| Maximum speed | 2,400 | 2,920 RPM |
| Number of massage heads | 3 | 4 |
| Battery life | 2 hours | 3.6 hours |
| Product weight | 1.5 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
Read our full Theragun Review for more insights on the Mini and the other Theragun models.
Best Budget Mini Massage Gun: Bob & Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun
The Bob and Brad Q2 Mini is a compact massage gun that is easy to travel with. Only about the size of a water bottle, this massage gun operates quietly, although it may not be the strongest massage gun we’ve tested.
What our tester says:
The standout is the hot/cold attachment, which is actually like its own unit—you have to power it on separately and it has to be charged. I had a hard time feeling the temp difference when wearing jeans, but in leggings or on bare skin they do feel hot and cold. I especially like the hot one—it gives a nice added touch when massaging a sore area!
At a Glance
- Costs less than $100
- Included hard case for travel
- Average amplitude/depth
- Speeds up to 3,000 RPM
It’s hard to find a solid budget massage gun these days, even when searching for a miniaturized silhouette. Allow us to introduce you to the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Pro, which retails for about $90 and is often on sale for $70 or less. Product tester Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, says, “It’s definitely not the most powerful mini gun on the market, but if you don’t need anything crazy aggressive or are looking for an intro massage gun, this is definitely worth $70.”
Amplitude: 3/5
Ergonomics: 4/5
Attachments: 4/5
Why We Like the Bob & Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun
Nicole calls out the portability, rating it a 5 out of 5. “It’s really small and comes with a compact hard-top carrying case, as well. This is about as portable as you can get for a massage gun,” she says. She also admires the case’s design, overall—a firm top and bottom with dedicated spots for the gun, charger, and attachments.
She also praises the quietness of the Q2 Pro, which gets another 5-out-of-5 score. “This is pretty darn quiet,” Nicole says, adding, “I can easily watch TV over it. No complaints here.” The Q2 Pro earns a high score of 4 out of 5 for speeds, too, since it has five options—though Nicole does mention the massage only feels “legit” at the top two speeds (2,700 and 3,000 RPM).
“It’s easy to hold and maneuver around, so much so that I prefer it over something like the D6 Pro that’s a lot heavier and more cumbersome, albeit more powerful.”
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
Alternatives
The Bob and Brad Q2 Pro lacks in the power department compared to our other mini massage gun picks, but it is a lot less expensive—you get what you pay for, as they say. Nicole rates the value at 3 out of 5, saying, “It has a typical brushless motor found in the average massage gun. It’s alright, but not Theragun or Hypervolt quality.”
Interested in heat therapy and more? The Bob and Brad M7 Plus is another mini massage gun with a heated massage head, but it also includes blue light therapy and has a slightly deeper 9-millimeter amplitude.
Testing Breakdown
In our testing, the Bob & Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun met our benchmarks for power, amplitude, and battery life, while earning slightly higher scores in all other categories.
Vs. The Average
At about half the cost of the average mini massage gun, you can expect some concessions here. The Q2 Pro has a lower amplitude than average, though it does exceed metrics like max speed and battery life.
| Bob & Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun | Average Mini Massage Gun | |
| Price | $60 | $114 |
| Amplitude | 7 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Speed settings | 5 | 4 |
| Maximum speed | 3,000 RPM | 2,920 RPM |
| Number of massage heads | 5 | 4 |
| Battery life | 4 hours | 3.6 hours |
| Product weight | 1 lb | 1.3 lbs |
Best Mini Massage Gun with Heat: Bob & Brad M7 Plus
The Bob and Brad M7 Plus mini massage gun boasts five available speeds alongside five varying attachments for targeted massage therapy. According to our tester, this ergonomic massage gun can be a nice addition to your recovery protocols, especially given its low noise and comfortable in-hand feel.
What our tester says:
The handle feels very comfortable. It’s covered with silicone which makes it more comfortable to hold onto. However, the handle is on the thick side, so I can still see someone getting tired easily if they already have grip/dexterity issues.
At a Glance
- Thermal and blue light therapy tip
- 9-millimeter amplitude
- 5 total massage heads
- 2-year warranty
While there are plenty of massage guns with heat therapy tips out there, the Bob and Brad M7 Plus is the first mini we’ve seen with a heat + blue light massage head alongside a respectable amplitude, to boot. Together, those features secured its place as the best mini massage gun with heat. I spoke with tester Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC, who says, “I’ve used massage guns, but not a mini massage gun before. Overall, I was impressed with how powerful it seemed.”
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Battery and charging: 4.5/5
Ergonomics: 4/5
Noise level: 4/5
Why We Like the Bob & Brad M7 Plus
The M7 Plus earns high marks from Amanda regarding portability. She gives it a 4.5 out of 5, noting that her kitchen scale logged the weight at just 14 ounces—not even a pound! It also comes with a drawstring pouch that comfortably totes the massage gun, attachments, and charger. “All five attachments fit in it pretty well,” Amanda says, though she adds, “I think the carrying pouch seems mostly durable, but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone noticed the seams tearing if they weren’t careful with it.”
She also rates the attachments themselves with 4.5 points. In addition to the heating tip, the M7 Plus comes with a Ball, Fork, Soft Cushion, and Bullet tip. The materials on the attachments all feel high-quality, Amanda says.
“The heating attachment feels quite nice. I don’t know if it was necessarily any more effective at helping me get rid of muscle soreness, but it felt pleasant on my skin.”
Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC
Alternatives
The M7 Plus earned scores of 4 or higher for all testing criteria, but Amanda still calls out some areas for improvement. In particular, despite the 9-millimeter amplitude, she notes that the massage is very tolerable to her as someone who is “a baby” (her words!) about massaging sore muscles. This means it might not hit the mark for those who prefer deeper, more aggressive percussive therapy.
For those who don’t care much for the heat element and prefer to prioritize power, we recommend the Theragun Mini, which has a 12-millimeter amplitude and 20-pound stall force.
Testing Breakdown
One of our highest-scoring mini massage guns, the M7 Plus earned a perfect score for attachments thanks to its five interchangeable options and hot/cold therapy capabilities. It also exceeded our benchmarks for power, amplitude, and battery life.
Vs. The Average
The Bob & Brad M7 Plus stands out for its low price, deep amplitude, and low product weight compared to the average mini massage gun.
| Bob & Brad M7 Plus | Average Mini Massage Gun | |
| Price | $60 | $114 |
| Amplitude | 9 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Speed settings | 5 | 4 |
| Maximum speed | 3,000 RPM | 2,920 RPM |
| Number of massage heads | 5 | 4 |
| Battery life | 4 hours | 3.6 hours |
| Product weight | 0.88 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
Other Mini Massage Guns We Tested
In our search for the best massage guns, we tested several mini massage guns. Here’s why these didn’t land on our list.
- Renpho Mini Massage Gun: We tested the first-gen version of this massage gun; it appears to have been replaced by a new iteration that includes hot/cold massage tips. When we first tested it, it scored about averagely in nearly all categories.
- Bitfinic Mini Massage Gun: I appreciated the ergonomic handle of this Theragun Mini dupe, but it seems to have been discontinued.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Mini Massage Guns
I’ve personally tested more than 40 different massage guns, and our team of testers has evaluated nearly a dozen mini massage guns, using them before, during, and after workouts as well as on rest days. I’ve also been following percussive technology since early 2018 when massage guns started increasing in popularity. When evaluating top mini massage guns for this guide, we took inspiration from our equipment testing methodology and rated each tested profile on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories such as:
- Speeds: We look for at least three speeds for a mini massage gun to earn a 3-point, or average, score. Four speed settings earns a device 4 points, and five or more earns 5 points.
- Stall force: Serving as a measure of power, stall force refers to how much force it requires to stop—or stall—the massage gun. For minis, we award 3 points to devices with at least 10 pounds of stall force; 4 for 15 pounds; and 5 for 20 pounds or higher.
- Amplitude: Across the market, amplitudes of 6 to 8 millimeters are normal for mini massage guns. That’s our benchmark for earning an average score of 3 points, while 9 to 10 millimeters earns 4 points and 11 or more earns 5 points.
- Attachments: Three attachments that feel high-quality is the minimum to earn a 3-out-of-5 rating, in our book. Those with more attachments or attachments that feel particularly high-quality, earn more points.
- Battery life: We look for at least 2.5 hours of battery life and a respectably quick charging period (under two hours) for a score of 3 out of 5 in this category. A 5-point score reflects a minimum battery life of 5 hours.
Benefits of Mini Massage Guns
If you’re on the fence about buying a mini massage gun, these benefits might convince you to get one of these versatile recovery tools.
Do note that “people with certain health conditions, such as fractures, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), severe muscle or joint injuries, or active inflammation, should avoid using a massage gun,” according to Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. “Those with circulatory issues or who are pregnant should consult their doctor before using one.”
Workout Recovery
Just like standard-sized massage guns, mini massage guns can promote better workout recovery. “Using massage guns regularly can help reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, and increase flexibility,” says Mohr. “They can be especially beneficial after workouts, helping to speed up recovery and prevent stiffness. Regular use may also help relieve tension in muscles and promote relaxation.”
When you look at the evidence as a whole, it’s mixed1, but there are some specific call-outs worth mentioning.
Enhanced Blood Circulation
One way that percussive therapy can enhance post-workout recovery is by increasing blood flow2. Similar to deep tissue massage, localized massage stimulates the soft tissue in the treatment area and sends resources—a.k.a. blood—in response3.
Reduced Muscle Soreness and Fatigue
Percussion massage guns may also decrease the severity of sore muscles and fatigue. By helping to facilitate the removal of metabolic byproducts like creatine kinase and lactic acid dehydrogenase4, they may speed up muscle recovery in the treated muscle groups. Additionally, portable massagers may reduce your perception of muscle pain5. Now, this may be a placebo effect, but it’s still worth something!
Pre-Workout Benefits
Massage guns aren’t just for recovery—a pre-workout massage experience can benefit you, too.
Improved Range of Motion
Using a massage gun during your warm-up may help you feel more flexible. For example, when researchers in a 2023 study compared massage therapy from a Theragun to passive rest, participants who received the therapy exhibited an increase in hamstring range of motion6.
Easy to Travel With
The main benefit of mini massage guns over standard massage guns is the increased portability. What you lose in power or speed is well made up for with travel-friendly features. Most mini massage guns weigh under 2 pounds, measure less than 6 inches in height, and come with convenient travel cases. This can make them ideal for tossing in a backpack or carry-on bag before heading out the door.
Smaller and Easier to Hold
Mini massage guns tend to have a more ergonomic design for most people. Because they are smaller and lighter in weight, individuals who struggle with dexterity or mobility issues in the hands and wrists may have an easier time using a mini massage gun than a standard one.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Mini Massage Guns
Before you head to the online checkout counter, make sure the massage gun you want matches your needs and desires. Read below for some top factors to keep top of mind before finalizing your cart.
Portability
If you’re looking for a mini massage gun, I feel like I can safely assume you want it to be portable or, at the very least, super easy to store. Luckily, every mini massager we recommend weighs less than 2 pounds. In addition to looking for one with a low weight, look for one that comes with a handy travel case that fits the charger and attachments in addition to the massager itself.
Price and Value
Just because a product is teensy doesn’t mean it lacks in value. Most consumers shop around with the intent of finding the best quality product that fits their budget. For mini massage guns, some of the best profiles hover around the $150 to $200 price point, but you can also find good products in the $60 to $100 range, as evidenced by the two Bob and Brad models on our list.
Percussions Per Minute (PPM)
PPM—also referred to as RPM—refers to how fast a massage gun head protrudes and retracts per minute. The higher the number, the faster the massage head, and the more intense the treatment. Every mini massage gun we recommend has at least three speeds, and I don’t recommend buying one that has fewer than that in order to accommodate various muscle groups and sensitive trigger points. Some of the more expensive silhouettes boast five to six speeds, which is great, but not an absolute necessity for most people.
Power, Stall Force, and Amplitude (Depth)
Compared to standard-sized massage guns, mini massage guns (naturally) don’t pack as much power. This is because the smaller housing doesn’t allow for the more powerful motors found in standard massage guns. However, if you’re willing to pay for a mini in the $150 to $200 range, you can get amplitudes up to 12 millimeters and stall forces of up to 35 pounds. On the ultra-budget end, you’ll likely be looking at amplitudes of 6 to 9 millimeters and stall forces of 10 to 20 pounds.
If you’re aiming to use your mini massage gun for deep tissue treatments and regular recovery protocols, it may be best to lean toward the more powerful profiles. For those seeking a simple percussive therapy tool, though, we’ve found that even the less adept massagers can get the job done.
“Always start with a lower intensity and slowly increase it based on comfort,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. “Avoid using the massage gun on areas that are too bony, joints, or areas with inflammation. If you experience discomfort, stop right away.”
Attachments and Accessories
At least three massage heads is ideal, but some mini massage guns only come with one or two. Some come with four or five. It’s really up to personal preference and understanding what the different attachments are used for before paying for them. Ball and Flat attachments can be ideal for general massage across large and muscular areas, while Cone or Bullet heads dig a bit deeper and can be beneficial for targeting small areas like the arch of the foot or in-between the shoulder blades. Note that smaller, more precise attachments like the aforementioned Cone and Bullet can produce intense, targeted massages that may take some getting used to. You may also want heated or cooling massage heads for extra relief.
Noise Level
Naturally, the more powerful a massage gun, the louder it will be. The best mini massage guns deliver benchmark standards in power while not blowing your ears out. We generally recommend buying a massage gun that doesn’t reach more than 60 decibels, which is about as loud as a dishwasher running7. Anything louder than that can make it a little difficult to have a conversation or watch TV while you’re using it.
Battery Life
Smaller massage guns sometimes lack in battery life, but this isn’t a hardfast rule. Some of the mini massage guns on this list have a rechargeable battery that can last more than four hours on a single charge. We recommend looking for at least two hours of battery life for convenience’s sake. USB-C charging is also convenient since you probably already have a few spare C-type chargers lying around at home.
Bluetooth Functionality
I wouldn’t consider Bluetooth connectivity a must-have, but it can be a “nice to have.” Some brands, like Therabody, offer wellness and recovery routines in a companion app, and you can sync your device to the protocol to automatically change speeds for a targeted experience. It’s worth considering, especially if you want professionally-curated routines.
FAQs About the Best Mini Massage Guns
Do mini massage guns really work?
Yes, percussion massage guns do work. By manually massaging muscles and fascia, a type of connective tissue in the body, they can improve blood flow and reduce soreness and muscle tension.
Is the Theragun Mini worth it?
Our team of testers thinks so! The Theragun Mini is one of the more powerful mini massage guns available. It has a 20-pound stall force and 12-millimeter amplitude.
Are mini massage guns as good as regular ones?
In general, mini massage guns are not as powerful as full-sized models. The Theragun Pro, a true deep tissue massage gun, for instance, is much heavier and bulkier than the Theragun Mini because it has a more powerful motor that can deliver greater muscle relief. Still, most people can get the effect they need or want from a miniaturized model.
What is the best mini massage gun?
After extensive testing, we think the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM is the best overall mini massage gun. It’s nearly as powerful as the Theragun Mini but has a much longer battery life and can save you about $50.
Are mini massage guns worth it?
If you struggle with muscle pain or trigger points, especially in easily-massagable areas like the lower back, quads, hamstrings, or calves, it’s definitely worth it to consider a mini massage gun for your recovery protocols.
References
- Ferreira RM, Silva R, Vigário P, et al. The Effects of Massage Guns on Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2023;8(3):138.
- Needs D, Blotter J, Cowan M, Fellingham G, Johnson AW, Feland JB. Effect of Localized Vibration Massage on Popliteal Blood Flow. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 12(5):2047.
- Clijsen R, Freitag L, Hohenauer E, Bianchi G. Physiological Effects of Local Theragun™ Application: An Observational Study in Healthy Female Participants. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2025;20(7):1018-1028.
- Imtiyaz S, Veqar Z, Shareef MY. To Compare the Effect of Vibration Therapy and Massage in Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(1):133-136.
- Sams L, Langdown BL, Simons J, Vseteckova J. The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2023;18(2):309-327.
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