Best Massage Guns of 2026: Hyperice, Therabody, and More
It comes with three accessories that cover most recovery needs, from general recovery to light lymphatic work. That said, I wish the Rally also came with a bullet head or fingertip to target smaller spots. It also doesn’t include a storage case, which would have made it easy to store the two extra attachments.
Compare the 5 best massage guns
Honorable mentions
Photography: Boutayna Chokrane
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun for $70: The Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a solid alternative to the Theragun Mini Plus, if you need portability but don’t want to pay $280. Weighing 1.5 pounds, it’s more than a pound lighter than the Mini Plus, which I appreciate when commuting, where every pound counts. You also get five accessories that all fit in the included travel case.
Therabody Theragun Relief for $160: This is the last of the 2023 devices and remains the cheapest Theragun so far. For the price, you sacrifice the LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity in favor of the Therabody app for device control. But you can still follow guided routines on the app, and the simple one-button control is refreshing to use. There are three head attachments and three speed settings, and the Relief is less than half the weight of the Pro Plus.
Therabody Theragun Sense for $300: The Theragun Sense is slightly smaller and lighter than the Pro Plus, and it’s also incredibly quiet. It also has the same LCD screen and breathing features as the Pro Plus. The main difference here is that it is compatible with fewer accessories, but four heads are still more than enough for the active individual.
Photography: Boutayna Chokrane
Turonic G5 Massage Gun for $270: The Turonic G5 is powered by a 160-watt brushless motor with 20 adjustable speeds and five intensity modes, ranging from 1,100 to 3,200 rpm. It comes with seven massage heads and offers up to eight hours of battery life. It’s also the quietest massage gun tested by former reviewer Medea Giordano, registering at around 40 decibels. A few Amazon reviewers noted durability issues, reporting that it broke after a few sessions. I’ve just started reevaluating it, so I can’t speak to its longevity yet, but I will report back. Note that the G5 also powers on at maximum speed by default, which Giordano said was jarring at first.
Massage guns are not intended for laboratory use, so I test them in real-world scenarios where most people would actually use them, such as after a workout, travel, or long days at work.
How I choose what I want to test
When I first launched this guide, I prioritized massage guns from established recovery brands, widely recommended models, and newer devices with features like LED light and heat therapy. I’m now expanding the testing to include alternatives frequently mentioned in forums and by recovery experts. I also test models across a range of prices to find options for different budgets.
Where the tests take place
Most of my testing takes place in everyday environments, including at home, at the gym, and at the airport. I use massage guns before and after strength training, cardio, and sedentary days to see how effectively they relieve muscle pain and stiffness. I also pay attention to their portability, how quiet (or quiet) they are in small spaces, and how easy they are to store and pack.
How long do I test
Each massage gun is tested for at least two weeks, with five sessions per week. This allows me to evaluate the battery life, the quality of the accessories and whether the motor performance holds up over time. My top picks stay in my rotation for months so I can compare them to newer versions and assess their long-term durability.
I test each massage gun for at least two to four weeks. This usually gives me enough time to evaluate battery life, usefulness of accessories, and whether performance holds up over repeated sessions. My top picks stay in my rotation longer, sometimes for months, to compare them to newer models and judge their long-term durability.
Criteria
The best massage guns offer effective percussion therapy without excessive vibrations passing through the handle. I look for motors that maintain power and speed under pressure, intuitive accessories that stay in place, user-friendly controls, and batteries that last multiple sessions on a single charge. Noise is also a factor, especially for shared spaces. When deciding which devices to recommend, I like to consider:
- Engine power and stall forcewhich is the pressure the device can withstand before it stops working.
- Speed range and intensity levels.
- Noise levels at different speeds and modes.
- Battery life compared to the manufacturer’s claims.
- Weight, comfort and ergonomics during prolonged sessions.
Most massage guns stay in storage so I can continue long-term testing and compare newer versions to older models. All models discontinued during the testing period were donated once testing was completed.
