Best Massage Guns 2026: Compared Head-to-Head

Percussion massage guns have become a staple in athletic recovery and everyday wellness. They deliver rapid bursts of pressure into muscle tissue, helping reduce soreness and improve range of motion after workouts. We looked at the leading options across different price points to help you find the right one.

In this comparison, we’ve reviewed three standout models: the premium Theragun PRO Plus, the versatile Hypervolt 2 Pro, and the budget-friendly Ekrin B37S.

Our Top Picks

Massage Gun Buying Guide

Before diving into individual reviews, here are the key factors we looked at when comparing these massage guns.

Stall Force & Amplitude

Stall force is the amount of pressure you can apply before the motor stalls. Higher stall force means deeper tissue penetration. Amplitude — how far the head travels — also matters. Larger amplitude (14–16 mm) reaches deeper muscle groups, while shorter strokes (10–12 mm) feel more surface-level.

Noise Level

Nobody wants a massage gun that sounds like a power drill. Brushless motors tend to be significantly quieter than brushed alternatives. All three of our picks use brushless motors and operate between 35–65 dB depending on the speed setting.

Battery Life

Most quality massage guns offer 2–6 hours of battery per charge. Consider how often you’ll use it and whether a swappable battery (like the Theragun PRO Plus) matters to you.

Attachments & Ergonomics

Look for a variety of head attachments for different muscle groups. An adjustable or multi-grip handle reduces wrist strain during extended sessions.

App Integration

The Theragun and Hypervolt both offer companion apps with guided routines, pressure feedback, and customizable speed settings. This can be valuable if you want structured recovery protocols.

Detailed Reviews

1. Theragun PRO Plus

The Theragun PRO Plus is Therabody’s top-of-the-line percussion device, and it shows. The 16mm amplitude delivers noticeably deeper strokes than the competition, and the 60 lbs of stall force means you can lean into tight spots without the motor giving up.

The adjustable arm is a standout feature — it lets you reach your back and shoulders without awkward wrist angles. The built-in OLED screen shows speed, force, and battery level at a glance. Through the Therabody app, you get guided routines for pre-workout warm-up, post-workout recovery, and specific body areas.

The main trade-off is price and weight. At $499 and 2.8 lbs, this is the heaviest and most expensive option in our comparison. But if you want the most capable massage gun available, this is it.

2. Hypervolt 2 Pro

The Hypervolt 2 Pro earns our Best Overall pick by nailing the balance between performance and usability. It’s notably quieter than the Theragun, lighter to hold, and the built-in pressure sensor gives real-time feedback so you know exactly how hard you’re pressing.

Hyperice’s app provides guided routines and lets you fine-tune speed beyond the three hardware settings. The 14mm amplitude is slightly shorter than the Theragun’s 16mm, so it won’t reach quite as deep — but for most users, the difference is marginal.

The non-removable battery is the main downside. At around 2.5 hours per charge, it’s fine for personal use, but therapists or heavy users may miss the Theragun’s swappable battery design.

3. Ekrin B37S

The Ekrin B37S is the sleeper pick in this comparison. At $230, it delivers surprisingly solid percussion therapy with a quiet motor, excellent battery life (up to 8 hours), and a build quality that punches above its weight class.

What really sets it apart is the lifetime warranty — Ekrin stands behind this product in a way that larger brands don’t. You won’t get app integration or a pressure sensor, but if you just want a reliable massage gun that works well and lasts, the B37S is hard to beat.

The 12mm amplitude is shallower than both the Theragun (16mm) and Hypervolt (14mm), so deep tissue work on larger muscle groups won’t be quite as effective. For general recovery and everyday soreness, though, it’s more than capable.

Side-by-Side Comparison

How to Use a Massage Gun

Getting Started

If you’re new to percussion therapy, start with the lowest speed setting and a soft attachment head. Apply light pressure and let the device do the work — there’s no need to push hard.

General Recovery Protocol

1. Pre-workout (30–60 seconds per muscle group): Use a low speed setting to activate muscles and increase blood flow before training
2. Post-workout (1–2 minutes per muscle group): Use medium speed to help flush metabolic waste and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
3. Rest days (2–3 minutes per area): Use medium-to-high speed on sore or tight areas for deeper recovery work

Tips for Effective Use

• Float the gun across the muscle — don’t press it into one spot for too long
• Avoid bones, joints, and the spine — focus on large muscle bellies (quads, hamstrings, glutes, traps, lats)
• Stay hydrated after sessions to help with recovery
• Don’t exceed 2 minutes on a single muscle group to avoid bruising or irritation
• Use the ball attachment for large muscles and the bullet/cone for trigger points

When to Avoid

Consult a healthcare professional before using a massage gun if you have blood clotting disorders, nerve sensitivity conditions, or acute injuries with swelling. Pregnant individuals should consult their doctor before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are massage guns actually effective for recovery?

Research suggests that percussion therapy can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and improve short-term range of motion. A 2020 study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that vibration therapy was as effective as traditional massage for reducing DOMS. While more research is needed, the evidence so far is promising for post-exercise recovery.

How often should I use a massage gun?

Most manufacturers recommend daily use for 1–2 minutes per muscle group. You can use it before and after workouts, as well as on rest days. Listen to your body — if an area feels bruised or overly tender, give it a break.

Is a more expensive massage gun actually better?

Not necessarily. The Ekrin B37S at $230 handles basic recovery needs well. Premium models add deeper amplitude, app integration, and pressure sensors — useful features, but not essential for everyone. If you primarily need post-workout muscle relief, a mid-range or budget option will serve you well.

Theragun vs Hypervolt — which is better?

It depends on your priorities. The Theragun PRO Plus offers deeper amplitude (16mm vs 14mm), more stall force, and an adjustable arm — ideal if you want the most powerful treatment. The Hypervolt 2 Pro is quieter, lighter, and has a built-in pressure sensor — better if you value usability and portability. Both have excellent app ecosystems.

Our Verdict

For most people, the Hypervolt 2 Pro is the best massage gun to buy. It’s quiet, effective, and well-designed at a reasonable price point. If you want the absolute best and don’t mind paying for it, the Theragun PRO Plus delivers unmatched depth and versatility. And if you’re on a budget, the Ekrin B37S offers remarkable value with a lifetime warranty to back it up.

Check Hypervolt 2 Pro Price