The best massage guns tend to be quite pricey. I’ve got good news for you, though: There are plenty of products that offer enhanced muscle recovery for $160 or less, which you’ll find in our guide to the best budget massage guns.
Our team of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, competitive athletes, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts has tested over 20 massage guns over the years, carefully scoring each one using our equipment testing methodology as a guide. This methodology helps us calculate a final product score by rating each massage gun on a scale of 1 to 5 in a variety of categories, including:
- Stall Force: Stall force measures how much force is required to stall the motor, so a higher stall force means a massage gun can handle more pressure. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, we want to see a stall force of 30 to 50 pounds for a full-sized massage gun.
- Amplitude: This measures how deeply a given massage gun can reach into the muscle tissue. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, we should see an amplitude of roughly 10 to 15 millimeters.
- Battery Life: Since these are portable devices, we test both the time to fully charge and the battery life between charges. An average-scoring device can fully charge in under an hour and lasts two to five hours, with higher scores awarded to devices that feature a faster charge or longer battery life.
- Attachments: Most massage guns come with a handful of attachments to customize your massage experience. To earn a benchmark rating of 3 out of 5, we should see at least three different massage head attachments included in the base bundle.
- Warranty: For an average 3-out-of-5 rating, we expect to see at least a one-year warranty, with higher scores awarded to massage guns that offer better coverage.
To help us narrow down this list, we also spoke with exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Phd, RD, to get his take on these compact yet powerful recovery tools. In 2025, we helped over 3,100 athletes find their ideal recovery tool, and we’re here to help you, too.
GGR Gold Pick – Best Budget Massage Gun
The Ekrin Athletics BANTAM massage gun is our top choice for the best budget massage gun. It features a stall force of 35 pounds, comes with four attachments, and boasts an impressive six-hour battery life, all at an affordable cost. The compact ergonomics and convenient carrying case also played a hand in our overall 4.4-out-of-5 rating.
Best Budget Massage Guns
- Best Overall Budget Massage Gun – Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
- Best Budget Theragun Alternative – REP Rapidstrike Massage Gun
- Best Budget Massage Gun Under $100 – TOLOCO Massage Gun
- Best Budget Massage Gun for Travel – Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
- Most Versatile Mini Massage Gun – Renpho Mini Massage Gun
- Best Budget Massage Gun Alternative – Roll Recovery R8
Current Top Deals
- Ekrin Athletics BANTAM – Sign up & unlock 20% off your first order
- Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun – Limited time deal | Score 23% off
Latest Updates
In February 2026, we reviewed our list of the best budget massage guns and made a few changes based on our latest testing. The Ekrin Athletics BANTAM still earns our top recommendation, but we swapped out picks that didn’t hold up in value, ergonomics, and stall force. New additions—like the REP Fitness Rapidstrike and Renpho Mini Massage Gun—stood out for their high scores in these aforementioned categories.
Best Overall Budget Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
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
- Excellent battery life
- Max speed of 3,200 PPM
- Includes four attachments
- Only three speed settings
If you’re looking for a powerful massage gun on a budget, it’s hard to beat the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM. Our tester, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, was very impressed with how much power it contains for such a small device.
The 35-pound stall force is one of the most notable features of this mini-massage gun. Not only is this simply outstanding for a miniature massager, but it far surpasses the 20-pound stall force of the Theragun Mini; noteworthy, as Theraguns are considered one of the gold standards in percussion therapy.
Accordingly, the BANTAM earns 5 out of 5 stars for stall force and our top pick as the best budget massage gun on the market.
Battery Life: 5/5
Stall Force: 5/5
Ergonomics: 4/5
Why We Like the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM
What’s interesting about the BANTAM is that it has progressive stall force, meaning the stall force increases with speed. This isn’t the case with most massage guns, and one of the reasons we rate this one so highly.
“The BANTAM has 28 pounds of stall force at the lowest speed, 32 pounds at the middle speed, and 35 pounds at its highest speed,” says Amanda. “This is unusual, but the 28-pound stall force is still higher than any mini massage gun I’ve tried.”
It also offers three fixed speed settings of 2,000, 2,600, and 3,200 percussions per minute (PPM). It runs on a quiet brushless motor with a maximum decibel level of 50.
Featuring a 10-millimeter amplitude—average for a mini massage gun—the BANTAM comes with four attachments to treat different muscle groups. With your purchase, you get a silicone ball attachment, a flat attachment, a fork attachment, and a bullet attachment: This is, essentially, everything you need for good treatment quality and versatility, and we give it 4 out of 5 stars for the category.
Amanda was also impressed with the battery life, and gave it 5 out of 5 stars. “The six-hour battery life is impressive,” she told me. “It also charges with a USB-C port, which means if you lose your charging cable, you probably have an identical one lying around somewhere in your home. However, it does not come with a cube, so you’ll have to use your phone cube or another USB wall converter.”
Aside from Hyperice and Therabody, Ekrin Athletics is one of my favorite manufacturers of percussive therapy devices. Between the impressive stall force and battery life, plus the four attachments, I think it’s worth the money.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Alternatives
Even though it’s powerful, you’re limited to only three speed options. Since the average massage gun has five, this is the main category where the BANTAM is lacking (though it’s still likely to work well for most users). As such, Amanda only gave it 3 out of 5 stars for its available speeds.
At $160, it’s also on the higher end for a budget massage gun. It’s still cheaper than many other brands, which is why it earned the top spot on our list, but there are more affordable options if you’re working with a particularly tight budget.
If you want a more affordable option, we also recommend the TOLOCO Massage Gun, which costs under $100.
Testing Breakdown
With the exception of its speed options, the BANTAM earned above-average scores in most of our testing categories.
Vs. The Average
The Erkin Athletics BANTAM is more affordable than the average massage gun, while providing a higher top speed. There are fewer speed settings, but we still think it’s a fantastic tool for the price.
| Ekrin Athletics BANTAM | Average Massage Gun | |
| Price | $160 | $231 |
| Amplitude | 10 mm | 12.5 mm |
| Speed Settings | 3 | 5 |
| Max Speed | 3,200 PPM | 2,738 PPM |
| Attachments | 4 | 4 |
Best Budget Theragun Alternative: REP Fitness Rapidstrike Massage Gun
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
The REP Fitness Rapidstrike Massage Gun is a small massage gun that offers a ton of value. It has four attachments and an intuitive speed control that adjusts to the pressure you apply.
What our tester says:
“Extremely small and portable. There are smaller models out there, like the Theragun Mini, but they’re not as powerful.”
At a Glance
- Powerful for its size
- 8-hour battery life
- Compact size
- REP doesn’t disclose the amplitude or PPM
At $139 with free shipping, the REP Fitness Rapidstrike is one of the better value percussive devices out there. Sure, there are hundreds to choose from, and many have the exact same design, but the build quality, power, and price on this make it a tremendous alternative.
It’s also significantly more affordable than more expensive massage guns from the likes of Therabody (also widely known as Theragun), which can range from $159 to $529. As such, the Rapidstrike earns 4 out of 5 stars for value. Even when compared to the more affordable Theragun models, GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell says REP wins out. “There are smaller models out there, like the Theragun Mini, but they’re not as powerful,” he adds.
Stall Force: 4/5
Battery Life: 4.5/5
Ergonomics: 3.5/5
Why We Like the REP Fitness Rapidstrike
The Rapidstrike features three fixed speeds, although REP Fitness doesn’t disclose the exact percussions per minute (PPM). If I had to guess based on my experience with other massage guns, I’d say this one has a PPM range of about 2,200 to 2,400.
REP states the Rapidstrike uses a high-torque brushless motor, but doesn’t disclose the power output in terms of amplitude or stall force. However, Amanda Capritto, one of our testers, has used plenty of massage guns and told me it still feels powerful.
“Anecdotally, I can say it’s quite powerful for its size,” she said. “I estimate the amplitude to be about 10 millimeters and the stall force to be about 20 to 25 pounds; I give it 4 out of 5 stars for the stall force.”
For the size, it was quite powerful. The compact form combined with the power surprised me.
Cooper Mitchell, GGR Founder
Alternatives
There’s one really unique feature about this massage gun: It auto-adjusts the speed based on how many pounds of pressure you’re applying to your muscle tissue. This is good, in theory, but Amanda said it didn’t work exactly as planned.
“Basically, the harder you press the device into your muscles, the faster it will go,” she explains.
“While this is a really cool idea, in theory, it didn’t play out in practice. I had to press to the point of pain to reach the highest speed; I’d rather manually adjust the intensity and use less pressure.”
We still give it 4 out of 5 stars for speed due to its exhibited power, but wish it was easier to control.
Coop also gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars for ergonomics, with a few minor complaints about the handle. “The handle is a bit slick, as it’s the same material as the rest of the body,” he told me. “Some grip would have been nice, and maybe the option to angle it.”
If you’re looking for something with a slightly better handle, we recommend the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM—our pick for the best overall budget massage gun.
Testing Breakdown
The handle and ergonomics are just slightly better than average, but this REP massage gun scored well in most other categories.
Vs. The Average
This massage gun is significantly more affordable than the average, and it’s a great deal for anyone shopping on a budget who doesn’t mind the lack of precise speed control.
| REP Fitness Rapidstrike | Average Massage Gun | |
| Price | $139 | $231 |
| Amplitude | 11-13 mm | 12.5 mm |
| Speed Settings | Intuitive speed control | 5 |
| Max Speed | 2,200-2,400 PPM | 2,738 PPM |
| Attachments | 4 | 4 |
You can read more in our REP Rapidstrike Massage Gun review.
Best Budget Massage Gun Under $100: TOLOCO Massage Gun
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
At a Glance
- Very affordably priced
- Includes 10 attachments
- Lightweight and portable
- The handle feels a little thick
If you’re trying to keep your total purchase under $100, we love the TOLOCO Massage Gun, which earned high marks across the board and is regularly on sale through Amazon. Despite the low price tag, it comes with far more attachments than the average massage gun, earning 5 out of 5 stars for the category from our tester, Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1.
He states, “It comes with 10 attachments, which is wild. All of them (except the foam ball) are made of a hard plastic, and the different shapes are helpful for targeting specific areas.”
You’re really getting a lot for the price here, which is why we think it’s the best option under $100.
Attachments: 5/5
Battery Life: 4.5/5
Ergonomics: 3.5/5
Why We Like the TOLOCO Massage Gun
As we said earlier, the price is very impressive here, and we give this TOLOCO profile 5 out of 5 stars for value. It’s listed at $69.99, yet it’s constantly on sale for less than $40.
Caine adds, “It may not be as powerful as a Theragun massage gun, but at this price point, a lot more people can afford it.”
Despite the lower cost, you’re not sacrificing much in the way of quality. For example, the battery earns an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, which is a high score at this price point.
“It claims to provide up to 6 hours of charge, and only takes about 90 minutes to fully charge,” Caine told me. “So far, it seems consistent with those numbers. Some reviews say it takes awhile to charge, and others say less battery life, but I assume it’s based on the level you’re using it at. Low speed will last longer than a higher speed, for example.”
Caine also gave it 5 out of 5 for decibels, noting that it’s very quiet when in use, which isn’t always the case with massage guns. For those who want to use it while they relax and watch a movie, it won’t be too disruptive.
It’s pretty lightweight, and I love the carrying case. Other massage gun cases I’ve used are bulky, but this one wouldn’t take up much luggage space when I go to competitions.
Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
Alternatives
Even though it’s light and portable, Caine only gave the TOLOCO Massage Gun 3.5 out of 5 for ergonomics. “It’s grippy, but definitely hefty,” he explains. “The handle is where the battery is stored, so it’s a bit bulkier than I like, and the straight handle can make it difficult to hit hard-to-reach places like my back or lats.”
We also wish the company was more transparent with the specs. It has 7 speeds up to 3,200 PPM, but doesn’t specify the individual levels at each speed.
Our only real callout with this TOLOCO offering was the bulky handle. If you want a smaller massage gun, you might want to examine the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun.
Testing Breakdown
The TOLOCO Massage Gun received high scores in most categories, with perfect 5-star ratings for value, accessories, portability, and decibels.
Vs. The Average
The TOLOCO Massage Gun is significantly cheaper than most while providing fantastic speed and attachment options.
| TOLOCO Massage Gun | Average Massage Gun | |
| Price | $59.99 | $231 |
| Amplitude | 12 mm | 12.5 mm |
| Speed Settings | 7 | 5 |
| Max Speed | Up to 3,200 RPM | 2,738 PPM |
| Attachments | 10 | 4 |
Best Budget Massage Gun for Travel: Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
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
- Very small and compact massage gun
- Includes a sturdy case for travel
- Features a hot and cold head attachment
- Battery is slow to charge, per our tester
If you’re regularly on the move and need something that’s easy to transport, look no further than the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun. Garage Gym Reviews Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC gave it 5 out of 5 stars for portability.
“It’s really small and comes with a compact hard-top carrying case, as well,” she told me. “This is about as portable as you can get for a massage gun.”
Don’t let the small size fool you, though: This mini massage gun still packs a punch, especially for something that could practically disappear in your gym bag or carry-on.
Attachments: 4/5
Portability: 5/5
Ergonomics: 4/5
Why We Like the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Even though it’s a budget-friendly, compact muscle recovery tool, you’re still getting a lot for the price. In particular, we like the included attachments, which Nicole scored at 4 out of 5 stars.
“It includes five massage heads,” she explains. “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 especially like the hot setting; it gives a nice added touch when massaging a sore area!”
She also gave it 4 out of 5 stars for ergonomics, noting that it’s easy to hold and maneuver around without feeling too cumbersome. She notes, “The handle is covered in a rubber skin, and I feel like it would get slippery if your hands were sweaty, but I haven’t had an issue thus far.”
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 the price.
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
Alternatives
Even though we love this massage gun, it’s not perfect. For example, Nicole gave the battery 3 out of 5 stars, saying that it takes about three hours to fully charge despite claiming to be a quick-charge unit.
She also added that while the hot and cold attachment is a nice feature, it doesn’t always work well through certain types of clothing. She explains, “I had a hard time feeling the temp difference when wearing jeans, but in leggings or on bare skin it does feel hot and cold.”
If you want something that has a better battery life, we suggest the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM, which uses a USB-C port for more convenient charging.
Testing Breakdown
The battery charges fairly slowly, but aside from that, we were impressed in most of our testing categories with this massage gun.
Vs. The Average
The amplitude is a little lower than the average massage gun, but at this price point, we still think it’s a great choice.
| Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun | Average Massage Gun | |
| Price | $69.98 | $231 |
| Amplitude | 7 mm | 12.5 mm |
| Speed Settings | 5 | 5 |
| Max Speed | 3,000 PPM | 2,738 PPM |
| Attachments | 5 | 4 |
Most Versatile Mini Massage Gun: Renpho Mini Massage Gun
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
At a Glance
- Offers 5 speed options
- Very quiet compared to most massage guns
- Includes a protective carrying case
- Battery life is fairly short
While massage guns tend to have similar features, the Renpho Mini Massage Gun is certainly one of the more versatile options we’ve tested, especially at this price point.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC was particularly impressed with the attachments. It includes four available heads, which is on par with the average massage gun, but some are very uniquely shaped, like the claw attachment, to target smaller muscle groups. Overall, she gave it 4 out of 5 for the attachments.
Speeds: 4/5
Attachments: 4/5
Ergonomics: 4/5
Why We Like the Renpho Mini Massage Gun
In addition to its diverse selection of attachments, Amanda also appreciates the feel of this massage gun and gave it 4 out of 5 stars for ergonomics.
“I really like the handle on this one,” she told me. “It’s thinner than most massage guns with a similar style, which I find makes it easier to hold.”
She also enjoys the portability aspect, which earns the Renpho Mini Massage Gun a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating in the category. While most massage guns are relatively small, this one also includes a carrying case that’s designed to organize all your attachments and charging accessories.
Finally, we also gave this 4 out of 5 for speeds, as you have the option of five different speed settings controlled through a single button in the center of the display, which shows your selected speed alongside your remaining battery life.
It’s super quiet and maxes out at around 45 decibels. The only time it felt loud was when I used it on the highest setting over a specific type of fabric, and I think the fabric was just kind of flapping around the massage head, so it wasn’t the actual massage gun that was loud.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Alternatives
This versatile, compact massage gun packs a punch at this price point, but it’s not perfect. Both the battery power and amplitude leave a little to be desired.
“The 6-millimeter amplitude is mediocre, at best, for a massage gun of this size (it’s not quite a mini, but not quite full-sized, either),” explains Amanda. “It has a typical brushless motor found in the average massage gun, but the manufacturer doesn’t specify the wattage of the motor.”
She also gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars for the battery life, saying it dies in under 150 minutes, and isn’t replaceable.
If you need an extended battery, we recommend the TOLOCO Massage Gun, which earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for its battery life and charging capabilities.
Testing Breakdown
While the stall force and battery aren’t very strong, this is still a versatile massage gun, especially for those shopping on a tight budget.
Vs. The Average
Even though the Renpho Mini Massage Gun is plenty affordable, it has a lower-than-average amplitude.
| Renpho Mini Massage Gun | Average Massage Gun | |
| Price | $79.99 | $231 |
| Amplitude | 6 mm | 12.5 mm |
| Speed Settings | 5 | 5 |
| Max Speed | 3,000 PPM | 2,738 PPM |
| Attachments | 4 | 4 |
Best Budget Massage Gun Alternative: Roll Recovery R8 Deep Tissue Massager
Updated by: Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
At a Glance
- Powerless manual massage tool
- Significantly more pressure than a massage gun
- Extremely durable construction
- Only works on the arms and legs
If massage guns aren’t your thing, you may be very interested in the Roll Recovery R8, which is a manual soft-tissue tool. Even though it doesn’t have a motor, our tester, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, found it to be almost too strong.
“I was, quite frankly, scared of this thing when I opened the box,” she says. “My fears were not unfounded: The Roll Recovery R8 isn’t gentle. In fact, it straight up hurts. A lot. Perhaps, I shouldn’t have used it for the first time on ultra-tender muscles tired from triathlon training, but alas, I did.”
While we can’t technically rate the stall force and amplitude, if we could, it would be an easy 5 out of 5 for how much pressure it applies—think of this as an angry foam roller just itching to knead away at your sore and tired muscles.
Stall Force: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Ergonomics: 3/5
Why We Like the Roll Recovery R8 Deep Tissue Massager
The R8 is overbuilt in all the best ways. The hardware is constructed of stainless steel, so it won’t rust. It also features stainless steel ball bearings at pivot points for smooth rotation. There are rubber grips on the handles to prevent slipping, too, and the plastic parts are made of Zytel thermoplastic, which is a super rigid plastic. I see this thing lasting forever. Like, you may never need another foam roller in your life.
Even though it costs over $100, we still give it 4 out of 5 stars for value for how great the construction is.
The R8 is a clamp-like contraption that utilizes a spring-loaded design. It truly digs into soft tissue. Featuring dual rollers that look like rollerblade wheels, it covers more surface area at one time than any massage gun can. It essentially straddles a limb: For example, you can massage your quads and hamstrings simultaneously.
Since there’s no motor, it’s also extremely quiet, and earns 5 out of 5 stars for decibels. It’s slightly painful, but silent, nonetheless.
While there are no official specs like amplitude or wattage due to the fact that this is a manual device, I can tell that this product reaches deeper into muscle fibers than most massage guns on the market. It squeezes your muscles like a MF’er.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Alternatives
As Amanda experienced, the Roll Recovery R8 can feel a bit intense, to say the least.
“I’m acutely aware that I don’t have the highest pain tolerance,” she notes. “I eventually figured out how to reduce pressure on the muscle tissue during use, although it’s not easy. You have to maintain tension in the arms in order to keep some pressure off of the muscles.”
Additionally, the Roll Recovery R8 does not work on the back, at all, and not really on the shoulders, either. These are two crucial muscle groups that often need to be rolled out, so keep that in mind. Because of these limitations, it only earns 3 out of 5 stars for ergonomics.
If you prefer motorized recovery tool, try the REP Fitness Rapidstrike Massage Gun. It automatically adjusts the speed and intensity based on how much pressure you apply.
Testing Breakdown
We didn’t use all the typical massage gun scoring categories here since the R8 is a manual tool, but we still applied our methodology where applicable. It’s not cheap, but offers great value due to the pressure it can apply.
Vs. The Average
We can’t really compare this to your average massage gun, as it’s a manual tool with no speed controls or attachments. However, if you’re looking for a high-pressure massage, this is certainly stronger than most.
| Roll Recovery R8 Deep Tissue Massager | Average Massage Gun | |
| Price | $139 | $231 |
| Amplitude | N/A | 12.5 mm |
| Speed Settings | N/A | 5 |
| Max Speed | N/A | 2,738 PPM |
| Attachments | N/A | 4 |
For more, be sure to read our full Roll Recovery R8 review.
Our Testers
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Amanda is an equipment testing expert, certified personal trainer, and Senior Staff Writer at Garage Gym Reviews.
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
Nicole is the GGR Director of Content and a certified personal trainer with years of testing experience.
Caine WIlkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1
Caine is a Performance Editor for GGR and previously competed in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Coop Mitchell
Cooper “Coop” Mitchell is the founder of Garage Gym Reviews with decades of experience testing top home fitness equipment.
Other Budget Massage Guns We Researched
There are countless budget-friendly massage guns on the market, so while we narrowed down our list to the top six, they’re not the only choices. Here are a few others we considered that didn’t quite make the cut:
- Theragun Mini: While more expensive than the others on our list, this is still affordable…for a Theragun. It’s a good massager, but we feel you’re able to match the quality with cheaper options out there.
- Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini Massage Gun: We were very impressed when testing this massage gun, but the more affordable Q2 from Bob and Brad works nearly as well.
- Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun: This massage gun is affordable, but we weren’t particularly impressed by the battery life or portability.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Budget Massage Guns
I With so many massage guns on the market, narrowing down our list wasn’t easy. We carefully tested each massage gun using our fitness equipment testing methodology to calculate a final score. Using our standardized testing categories helps us provide an unbiased review for each massage gun we use. Here are some of the most important factors we examined in our massage gun testing protocols.
Value
We’re not just considering the overall cost here, but rather, we assess whether we feel the price tag is justified for what you’re getting. Massage guns typically range from $50 to over $300, so the value can vary quite a bit from one recovery tool to the next.
To earn a value rating of 3 out of 5, the price should range from $175-$300, and the features are pretty similar to other massage guns at similar price points. Higher scores are given to those with lower prices that still provide a high-quality performance.
Amplitude and Stall Force
Amplitude refers to how deep the massage gun can penetrate into the muscle, while stall force measures how much pressure the massage gun can withstand before the motor stops completely.
To get a 3 out of 5, the massage gun offers somewhere between 30 and 50 pounds of stall force, as well as 10 to 15 millimeters of amplitude.
Battery Life and Charging
With portable devices, we need to carefully test both the charge time from empty to full, as well as how long the battery can last between charges.
RELATED: Best Portable Home Gym
For a 3 out of 5, the massage can be fully charged in under an hour, and should last about two to five hours before it needs to be charged again. Higher scores are given to massage guns that last more than five hours between charges.
Attachments and Accessories
Most massage guns come equipped with a handful of attachments or massage gun heads, which can allow users to choose both the shape and material they wish to use for a given muscle area or pain point. To earn 3 out of 5 stars for this category, the massage gun should come with, at least, three to five silicone heads. Higher ratings are awarded to profiles that come standard with a larger assortment of heads, or the attachments are constructed from premium materials.
Portability
Since you’re probably going to have a massage gun, a charging cable, and multiple attachments as part of your bundle, it’s important to make sure your massage gun is easy to transport. We want something that’s not too big, and includes some type of case to help with organization.
To get a 3 out of 5, the massage gun weighs 3 to 4 pounds and should fit inside of a regular shoebox. If it comes with an organized carrying case, it’ll likely receive a higher rating for portability.
Ergonomics and Handle
For the ergonomics rating, we’re not looking at how the massage gun feels when you’re using it, but rather, how comfortable the grip is in your hand. Is it heavy? Do your hands get tired during sessions?
To get a 3 out of 5, the handle is comfortable to use for shorter sessions, but using it longer than 20 minutes may feel very fatiguing or uncomfortable. For a higher rating, the grip is very comfortable, even when you’re using it for extended muscle recovery bouts.
Decibels
This rating is based on how loud the massage gun is, as many users like to use these tools while reading or watching TV, and particularly loud devices can be disruptive to any housemates, as well. Massage guns will always make a little noise, but it shouldn’t be too disruptive.
To earn a 3-out-of-5-star rating, you should still be able to watch TV while you’re using it, though the sound of the massage gun may drown out the noise a little. The decibels are between 50 and 70 whenever we’re able to measure it, and it’s not too disruptive to anyone around you.
Speeds
Massage guns typically have multiple speed settings, and ideally, the manufacturer will specify the PPM, or percussions per minute, of each level.
To get 3 out of 5 stars, the massage gun offers three speeds, but may or may not disclose the precise PPM. To earn a higher rating, we want to see more than three speeds, as well as full disclosure of what the individual speeds actually are.
Customer Experience
This rating is based on the overall shopping experience interpreted from a given manufacturer’s financing, warranty, and return policies, as well as customer support availability. For a 3 out of 5, we expect to see a 30-day return policy, a one- to two-year warranty, and customer support that responds in under 48 hours.
Customer Reviews
We take this score directly from the average customer reviews available online. Ideally, we want to see reviews on a third-party retailer like Amazon, as individual brands can delete negative reviews, but if that’s not possible, we’ll use the review score from the company’s website.
Benefits of Budget Massage Guns
If you’ve never used a massage gun before, they can be a nice recovery tool with a handful of proven wellness benefits, especially if you’re a fitness enthusiast who’s regularly dealing with tight, sore muscles. Here are the most important perks:
Muscle Recovery
The pummeling action of a massage gun sends nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to the treatment site, and studies show that healthy blood circulation is essential for muscle repair and rebuilding, as well as for the removal of chemical byproducts of exercise1 (like blood lactate).
It’s also possible that massage guns can work preemptively: Limited research tells us that using a massage gun as part of your warm-up can reduce the total volume of muscle damage2 that occurs during workouts.
GGR expert advisor and exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, also confirms that massage guns may help promote post-workout recovery after a challenging training session.
“Using massage guns regularly can help reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, and increase flexibility,” he explains. “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.”
Related: Massage Gun For Sciatica
Pain Relief
Massage guns are designed to help reduce pain—primarily, pain from muscle soreness—in two essential ways. First, the mechanical actions of a percussive therapy device temporarily override nervous system pain signals from the treatment area to your brain.
Second, percussive therapy can break up adhesions in muscle tissue and fascia, as well as relieve tension from trigger points. Massage guns may also help relieve nerve pain by relaxing the muscles around a compressed nerve.
GGR Senior Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC uses his massage gun to help relieve particularly tight and painful muscles. “I often find that my shoulders and neck feel stiff after certain workouts or a long day of sitting at my desk,” he explains. “I like that I can use my portable massage gun to pinpoint the tight areas and loosen them a bit, and I find it does a good job of relieving particularly painful areas.”
That said, while massage guns can be useful for sore muscles, they shouldn’t be blindly used on all types of pain, according to Chris Mohr, PhD, RD.
“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,” says Dr. Mohr. “Those with circulatory issues or who are pregnant should consult their doctor before using one.”
Mobility
If you struggle with mobility and flexibility, a percussive massage gun might be your golden ticket to better back squat form. While research on the effects of massage guns on mobility is limited, it is promising: One 2020 study on Hypervolt devices3 showed a positive effect on ankle mobility (specifically plantar flexion) compared to a control group that didn’t use the devices.Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC adds, “I find that massage guns are great for loosening up tight areas, and I have a lot more control compared to using something like a massage ball or foam roller. A massage gun makes it much easier to hit my calves, glutes, or pecs. It’s a great tool to have in my gym bag, and something I regularly use as part of my pre-workout mobility routine.”
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Budget Massage Guns
If you’re still having a hard time choosing the right massage gun from our guide, or there are other silhouettes you’re considering, here are the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best massage gun.
Price Point
Obviously, if you’re looking for something easy on the wallet, pricing is the stepping-off point.
Budgets are personal and subjective, but we tried to stick to a limit of $160 for this guide to the best budget massage guns. In our opinion, a price range of $60 to $160 leaves room for buyers to decide what a good value is for their specific needs.
Power and Speed
You don’t have to sacrifice a powerful massage for a lower price tag. You can get relief from aching muscles and trigger points with a massager under $160, and oftentimes, even less than $100. Look for an amplitude of at least 10 millimeters, at least three speed levels, and a stall force of at least 20 pounds (but ideally 25 or more).
Charging and Battery Life
This may come as a nice surprise: Less expensive massage guns actually tend to have longer battery lives than more powerful ones.
This sounds counterintuitive, as most would think a cheaper price means a cheaper battery (and sometimes it does), but it also means less power output. That, ultimately, is what drives battery life. The super deep-tissue percussion massagers like the Theragun Pro offer fewer hours of battery life due to the power-suck of high-wattage motors.
All to say, look for at least three hours of use in a budget massage gun: This should be plenty for most people to use the device every day for a week without it dying.
Portability
A good gadget is even better when you can toss it in your travel gym bag or carry-on. Most budget-friendly massage guns are small enough to do so (as most inexpensive ones are mini versions). Still, look for products that come with dedicated carrying cases for supremely easy travel.
Smart Features
Generally, you won’t get smart features like cordless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, or OLED screens with force meters (like those found on the Hyperice Hypervolt and Theragun Elite) at a price point of $160 or less. However, many muscle massagers in this price range still offer LED battery life indicators and speed indicator lights.
Noise Level
It should go without saying, but you should look for a cheap massage gun that isn’t too loud, especially if you have roommates or don’t want to hear a loud motor during recovery sessions. That said, cheaper massage guns are generally louder than more expensive options.
FAQs About the Best Budget Massage Guns
Are massage guns worth the money?
Whether a massage gun is worth the money or not depends entirely on your budget, the price point you’re looking at, and the features you want. All the massage guns on this page cost about $160 or less and are relatively budget-friendly for most people. As long as a massage gun provides pain relief, improved mobility, or another positive outcome, I’d say it’s worth it for you.
What is the best cheap massage gun?
Our favorite budget-friendly massage gun is the Ekrin Athletics BANTAM, which provides up to 38 pounds of stall force, a 12-millimeter amplitude, a slim ergonomic handle, three speed levels ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 PPM, and three interchangeable heads at a great cost. We also like massage guns from TOLOCO, REP Fitness, and more.
How much should I spend on a massage gun?
You can find a good massage gun for less than $150, though more expensive items are certainly available. Ultimately, you’ll need to crunch some numbers before you begin to browse and determine your budget for your next recovery tool.
References
- Sañudo, B., Bartolomé, D., Tejero, S., Ponce-González, J. G., Loza, J. P., & Figueroa, A. (2020). Impact of Active Recovery and Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Blood-Flow and Blood Lactate Removal in Healthy People. Frontiers in physiology, 11, 310. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.00310
- Kim, J. Y., Kang, D. H., Lee, J. H., O, S. M., & Jeon, J. K. (2017). The effects of pre-exercise vibration stimulation on the exercise-induced muscle damage. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(1), 119–122. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.119
- Konrad, A., Glashüttner, C., Reiner, M. M., Bernsteiner, D., & Tilp, M. (2020). The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance. Journal of sports science & medicine, 19(4), 690–694.
