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We Tested the 9 Best Budget Massage Guns for Rapid Relief

After testing 25 options, these powerful, budget-friendly Theragun alternatives were our favorites

By
Michelle Parente, CYT
Michelle Parente

Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations.

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Updated on May 07, 2024
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by
Erin Pereira, PT, DPT
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Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT

Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy.

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Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 displayed on a throw blanket

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Whether you experience tight muscles from working out or neck pain and stiffness from sitting at a desk all day, using a massage gun daily can be a helpful tool. These powerful devices use percussive therapy—a repetitive, rhythmic pulse—to improve flexibility, reduce musculoskeletal soreness and pain, and more. However, the rapid relief often comes with a hefty price tag, particularly when considering popular name brands. The good news is that you don’t have to spend over $500 for a high-quality massage gun.

To find the best budget massage guns, we tested 25 top-selling massage guns in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home in the real world. We also consulted experts to learn how to use a massage gun and which key features set the best ones apart from the rest. Then, we evaluated each product based on effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and overall value. Another reason to trust us? We had a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an athletic trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and the best way to safely use a massage gun for targeted relief.

Pros
  • Powerful force

  • Comes with six attachments

  • Six speed settings

Cons
  • Small attachments may feel too intense for some

Renpho’s Power Massage Gun packs a punch at a budget-friendly price, making it our best overall pick. We found it to be extremely effective at relieving tight and sore muscles, thanks to its powerful force and user-friendly design. It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to hold while targeting hard-to-reach areas. Using this massage gun in our regular routine even helped us perform better during weekly workouts. 

We love that the device comes with six attachments, offering versatile treatments for different muscle groups. Although we found that the attachments were intuitive enough to use without having to consult the manual, we did rely on the more comfortable flat and ball heads the most. The smaller, harder attachments are great for trigger points, but may feel too intense for some. 

We found Renpho’s Power Massage Gun to have an average stall force, making it a great choice for most users. Adding to its already impressive value, it comes with a carrying case, six speed settings, and up to a four-hour battery life. This pick is our recommendation for those who want a powerful, high-quality massage gun at a budget-friendly price. 

Key Specs: 
Noise: 45dB | Stall Force: 50 pounds | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Speed Settings: 6 levels (1800 to 2600 rpm) | Attachments: 6 (bullet, flat, air cushion, ball, shovel, and U-shaped heads) | Battery Life: Up to four hours

Pros
  • Provides powerful relief

  • Lightweight

  • Attachments are easy to swap

Cons
  • Thick handle may be uncomfortable to hold 

  • No carrying case

The popular Theragun models are most likely what comes to mind when you think of massage guns. But if you’re not looking to shell out hundreds of dollars for a name brand, you’re in luck because Hypervolt’s Go 2 offers similar relief in a portable, budget-friendly package. We love how effective the Go 2 was at loosening sore muscles and increasing our range of motion.

It’s also lightweight and convenient to carry—we threw the compact device in our favorite gym bag for easy on-the-go use. But we found its thick handle uncomfortable to hold for those with smaller hands. Still, we were able to use the product for effective full body treatments without added cramping or soreness. 

The Go 2 comes with two classic attachments that are intuitive and easy to swap out. We used the flat attachment for larger muscle groups, like hamstrings and quads, and the bullet for areas in the arms and shoulders. Advertised as lasting up to three hours, we found that the battery life lasted even longer—we only had to charge it twice over the course of one month. 

Key Specs:
Noise:
55 to 65dB | Stall Force: About 25 pounds | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Speed Settings: 3 levels | Attachments: 2 (flat and bullet heads) | Battery Life: Up to three hours

Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Pros
  • Portable

  • Durable

  • Compatible with other Theragun attachments

Cons
  • Not as ergonomic

  • Low stall force

When we tested the best massage guns, Theragun’s Mini Massage Gun was our pick for best budget Theragun. If you want to invest in the Theragun quality and name, without breaking the bank, this is our top recommendation. It’s a compact, portable mini massager that we found effective at relaxing and loosening tired, tight muscles.

The small device is easy to use, but it lacks the classic ergonomic handle that you see in most massage guns. This made it difficult for us to reach some areas of our back and shoulders. Also, note that it doesn’t have as high of a stall force as other picks, like Renpho’s Power Massage Gun. 

One of the lightest on our list, we frequently tossed this portable massage gun in our gym bag. We love that it has a carrying case, three speed settings, and three classic attachments for customizable treatments. And it’s compatible with other Theragun attachments for an even more versatile experience. We recommend this pick for beginners or casual users who want a top-quality, budget-friendly Theragun that will last for years to come.

Key Specs: 
Noise:
57 to 62dB | Stall Force: 20 pounds | Weight: 1 pound | Speed Settings: 3 levels (1750 to 2400 ppm) | Attachments: 3 (dampener, ball, and thumb heads) | Battery Life: Up to two hours 

Pros
  • Portable

  • Long battery life

  • Ergonomic handle

Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a carrying case

If you live with others or plan to use your massage gun at the gym, you’ll want one that’s compact and quiet. Ranging from 32 to 42 decibels, Recoverfun’s Mini Massage Gun is the quietest option we tested. We found that we could easily hold a conversation, listen to music, or watch television over the quiet hum of the device. 

Just like Theragun’s Mini Massager, this lightweight and compact device is great for on-the-go use. But unlike our Theragun pick, this one doesn’t come with a carrying case. It does, however, come with four intuitive attachments, four speed settings, and an impressive battery life of up to five hours. 

We found optimal relief when using the lower speed settings on our smaller upper body muscle groups (like the biceps and forearms), and the higher settings on larger lower body muscle groups (like the glutes and hamstrings). We also appreciate the ergonomic handle that made for an easy, comfortable experience. 

Key Specs: 
Noise:
32 to 42dB | Stall Force: Not listed | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Speed Settings: 4 levels (1800 to 3200 ppm) | Attachments: 4 (ball, fork, bullet, and aluminum heads) | Battery Life: Up to five hours

Recoverfun Mini Massage Gun

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Pros
  • Comes with six attachments

  • Quiet

  • Durable

Cons
  • Most expensive

  • Not as portable

Lasting up to seven hours on one charge, Sportneer’s Elite D9 Percussive Massage boasts the longest battery life out of all the products we tested. It also offers rapid relief—we noticed a huge difference in tight and sore muscles after just one session. It’s so comfortable and convenient to use that the enjoyable experience kept us reaching for this device on a regular basis.

The Elite D9 comes with six speed settings and six adjustable attachments. We especially love the metal flat heads for cold and heat therapy. At 40 decibels, it’s relatively quiet and can be used without distracting others around you in the gym or at home. 

The massager felt comfortable, sturdy, and safe in our hands. We do wish the same version came in a smaller size for on-the-go use, but we appreciate the convenient carrying case for keeping all of the attachments organized. 

Key Specs: 
Noise:
40dB | Stall Force: 35 pounds | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Speed Settings: 6 levels (1300 to 3200 RPM) | Attachments: 6 (bullet, flat, ball, U-shaped, and two flat metal heads) | Battery Life: Up to seven hours

Sportneer Elite D9 Percussive Massage Gun

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Pros
  • Comes with 15 attachments

  • Seven speed settings

  • Durable

Cons
  • Attachments may be confusing

TOLOCO’s Massage Gun is the total package—powerful, effective, easy to maneuver, and completely customizable. Plus, it’s available on Amazon at a relatively budget-friendly price, considering its amazing overall value. (It’s also worth noting that it’s usually on sale.) 

During testing, the easy-to-use device delivered intense relief. We were impressed by how lightweight it felt, despite its heavy-duty design. And we love that it comes with a carrying case for easy portability and storage for all 15 attachments. While the different heads allow for great customization, it can be a bit confusing to decide which one to use. There is a guide, but we wish that it was more detailed. 

We also love that this massage gun offers seven speed settings—the widest range on our list. We also found it to be relatively quiet and true to its claim of an impressive six hour battery life. If you’re looking for the best massage gun on Amazon, we highly recommend this pick. 

Key Specs: 
Noise:
40 to 50dB | Stall Force: Not listed | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Speed Settings: 7 levels (up to 3200 rpm) | Attachments: 15 (round, bullet, Y-shaped, fork, crescent, elbow, claws, flat, thumb, air cushion, bulge, wedge, textured bulge, shovel, and convex heads) | Battery Life: Up to six hours 

TOLOCO Massage Gun

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

Pros
  • Offers heat therapy

  • Great for beginners

  • Long battery life

Cons
  • May not be powerful enough for advanced users

Repnho’s Lite Massage Gun weighs less than 1 pound and is about the same size as an iPhone, making it the most portable option we tested. We even took it on a plane when traveling across the country. The lightweight, compact design also allows you to comfortably hold the device and easily deliver treatment to all target areas. 

While we did find it to be effective, this massage gun does have some limitations because of its small size. In order to relieve any tension, we had to use this device on its highest setting—which is still relatively low compared to other products on our list. It’s a great entry level pick. But if you’re dealing with mild to moderate tension or pain, you’ll want something more powerfu,l like Renpho’s Power Massager. 

Still, the Lite comes with four attachments, a seven-hour battery life, and a heat function that warms up to 114 degrees. While the heat therapy feels relaxing, we found that it doesn’t do much for tension or pain because the area on the massage gun that emits the heat is so small. 

Key Specs: 
Noise:
40dB | Stall Force: 18 pounds | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Speed Settings: 3 levels (1800-2800 rpm) | Attachments: 4 (ball, U-shaped, bullet, and flat heads) | Battery Life: Up to seven hours 

Best Under $100

RENPHO Extend

Amazon RENPHO Extend Massage Gun

Amazon

Pros
  • Ergonomic

  • Great for hard-to-reach areas

  • Good stall force

Cons
  • May not be powerful enough for advanced users

  • Doesn’t come with a carrying case 

We love Renpho’s Extend Massage Gun because it’s effective, ergonomic, and easy to use—plus, it’s often available for under $80. It’s a great choice for targeting all muscle groups because it comes with an optional handle extender to help you hit hard-to-reach areas. 

We used this device before and after upper body strength sessions for optimal back and neck tension relief. It’s lightweight, while still offering a decent stall force and four versatile speed settings. It delivers an effective treatment for beginners, but if you’re feeling extra tight, we’d recommend something more powerful, like TOLOCO’s Massage Gun. 

During testing, we appreciated how intuitive each of the four attachments were to use, offering a customizable treatment every time. We also love that it has a decent battery life, although we wish it came with a carrying case for better storage and portability. 

Key Specs: 
Noise:
45dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Speed Settings: 4 levels (1600 to 2600 rpm) | Attachments: 4 (ball, U-shaped, bullet, and flat heads) | Battery Life: Up to five hours

Pros
  • Great for beginners

  • Portable

  • User-friendly

Cons
  • Loud

  • May shake at the highest speed setting

VYBE’s Percussion Massage Gun became a welcome addition to our post-run routine, as it helped loosen tight muscles and relieve soreness before it set in. It’s effective, but not as powerful as other products on our list. And being the least expensive option that we tested, it does come with some limitations. 

During testing, we found VYBE’s massager to be user-friendly and a great choice for beginners because of its low speeds. But it’s loud, and it started to shake when we used it at the highest setting. Still, if you’re looking for a quick, effective, and super budget-friendly massage gun, this may be the pick for you. 

Key Specs: 
Noise:
60 to 80dB | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Speed Settings: 6 levels (500 to 2400 ppm) | Attachments: 3 (ball, small ball, and cone heads) | Battery Life: Up to two hours

Budget Massage Guns We Also Tested

  • Vybe’s Pro Muscle Massage Gun is budget-friendly, but we found that it’s too heavy, clunky, and large to use comfortably. 
  • Wahl’s Deep Tissue Massage Gun is the cheapest massage gun that we tested, but it’s relatively loud and heavy, and it has to be plugged in while you use it, making it a less accessible pick.  

How We Tested the Budget Massage Guns

In order to find the best budget massage guns on the market, we first consulted Monica Saliu, PT, a physical therapist, on what to look for when shopping for a massage gun. Then, we examined the results from three different massage gun tests, where we evaluated products in The Verywell Testing Lab and then took them home to see how they performed in our real routines. 

We spent over 40 hours testing over 25 massage guns from a variety of high- and low-priced brands. In the Lab, we used the massage guns on our upper body and lower body, switching between attachments and speeds depending on which muscle we were targeting. Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and certified early intervention specialist, provided guidance on how to properly use a massage gun and safety recommendations. 

We paid close attention to how effective, comfortable, and easy to use the devices were. We also noted stall force, portability, and overall value—scoring each massage gun from 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) across six key categories. 

We then took the devices home, incorporating them into our regular routines. For this portion of the test, we noted any differences in how our body felt, as well as how well the massage gun itself held up. We used the cumulative results from three tests to create a list of the top scoring budget massage guns available today. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Budget Massage Guns

  • Noise: It’s often true that the more powerful the massage gun, the louder it will be. A loud massage gun may bother you and those around you during sessions. When choosing a massage gun, it’s important to check the noise level, which is often measured in decibels. The quietest pick on our list starts at 32 decibels on the lowest speed setting. 
  • Stall Force: Stall force is the amount of pressure you can apply with a massage gun before its motor stops, Saliu says. The average massage gun often offers a stall force of between 30 and 60 pounds. Mid- and high-tier options tend to have a higher stall force, while budget-friendly options usually fall between 20 and 50 pounds. If you’re looking for a deeper, more powerful treatment, you may want to choose a budget massage gun with a higher stall force.
  • Maneuverability: If a massage gun is heavy or lacks an ergonomic handle, it may be uncomfortable to use. When purchasing a massage gun, look at its weight—it should ideally be less than 4 pounds. The lightest and most portable pick on our list weighs just 0.7 pounds. 
  • Customization: Choose a massage gun with interchangeable attachments and adjustable speed settings to customize your experience. Depending on the sensitivity and size of the muscle group you’re working on, you’ll want to adjust your treatment accordingly. A lower speed setting is best for sore, small, and sensitive areas, while a higher level will help to relieve deep muscle tension and knots, says Saliu.
  • Battery Life: Whether you’re heading to the gym or taking a long trip, battery life is especially important if you plan to take your massage gun on the go. As you shop, check the manufacturer’s website—the battery life is often listed in the description or specifications. The best budget massage guns have a battery life of between two and six hours.
  • Price: Massage guns generally cost between $50 and $600. Higher-priced items may have more power, greater customizability, and better durability. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a high-quality, budget-friendly massage gun. We thoroughly tested and vetted all of the items on our list. And while they may not be as high-tech as more expensive options, they still offer powerful relief, a comfortable user experience, and great overall value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is stall force?

Stall force is the amount of pressure you can apply before the massage gun’s motor stalls, says Saliu It typically ranges from 30 to 60 pounds. If you want a deeper, more intense treatment, you’ll want to opt for a massage gun with a high stall force. For more relaxed relief, a massage gun with a lower stall force will still provide a soothing release.

How much should I spend on a massage gun?

How much you spend on a massage gun is really up to personal preference. Are you looking for a high-tech, top-tier product or a budget-friendly device that gets the job done? The average massage gun costs up to $600, but you don’t have to spend all that to get a high-quality device. In this list, we recommend products ranging from $55 to $260 that offer similar relief to their more expensive counterparts at a more accessible price point.

Is it worth getting a massage gun?

Whether you’re always active, sit at a desk all day, or fall somewhere in between, you can probably benefit from using a massage gun. These powerful devices deliver percussion and vibration to the soft tissue, making the fascia more pliable and hydrated, says Saliu. This can help alleviate pain, soreness, and tension, as well as improve range of motion and mobility.

Can you overuse a massage gun?

Yes, says Saliu. You can overuse a massage gun if you press down too hard or focus on one area for too long, which can cause bruising or trauma to the tissue. At a maximum frequency of three times per day, you should begin by using the massage gun for 20 to 30 seconds in one area and work your way up to no more than two minutes on one muscle group, she says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente, CYT, is an experienced fitness writer who values the importance of making reliable product recommendations. As a fitness enthusiast herself, massage guns are an important part of her regular routine. She uses Theragun’s Mini 2nd Generation, our best budget Theragun pick. 

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