Best Massage Gun: Our top massage gun is the Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2) (FitScore 66.6/100): 5 speeds, an 8-hour battery, 4 locking heads, a case and a lifetime warranty.
Massage guns ranked by FitScore; need a light one? See best mini massage guns; or compare any model with our massage gun comparison tool.
Comparison Table
| Compareat a glance | TOP PICK | Pick 2 | Pick 3 | Pick 4 | Pick 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best Overall | Best Mini | Best Quiet With Heat | Best Deep Strokes for Less | Best Budget |
| Type | Full-size massage gun | Mini massage gun | Full-size massage gun | Full-size massage gun | Full-size massage gun |
| Amplitude | 11 mm | 12 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | – |
| Stall force | 24 lb | 18 lb | 44 lb | 50 lb | 45 lb |
| Speeds | 5 speeds | 3 speeds | 5 speeds | 6 speeds | 5 speeds |
| Weight | 2.2 lb | 0.99 lb | 1.5 lb | 2.07 lb | 1.5 lb |
| Battery | 8 h | 3 h | – | – | – |
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Key Takeaways
- Amplitude and stall force decide the depth.
- Minis trade depth for portability.
- A minute or two per muscle group is enough for most sessions.
Best Overall: Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2)
Presentation
Best overall
Editor’s pick
Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2)
Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2) ranks #1 in this guide with a FitScore of 66.6/100. If you want a full-size gun that lasts and runs for days, the Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2) is the most balanced of the 12 massage guns we scored: 5 speeds, about 11 mm of amplitude, 24 lb of stall force, an 8-hour battery, 4 locking heads, a case and a lifetime warranty.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Massage Guns
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines six category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Mgun
If you want a full-size gun that lasts and runs for days, the Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2) is the most balanced of the 12 massage guns we scored: 5 speeds, about 11 mm of amplitude, 24 lb of stall force, an 8-hour battery, 4 locking heads, a case and a lifetime warranty.
Durability reaches 90 of 100 and Practicality 100, the best of the guide, thanks to the lifetime warranty, the long battery and the case. Owners say it works well even at the lowest speed, praise the battery as the best they have owned and note that it stays fairly cool after ten minutes; testers liked the angled handle for reaching the back.
Its strokes are shorter than the deepest guns here, so Performance is 70, and at 2.2 lb with about 60 dB measured, Comfort is 54. Testers found it awkward in some positions and louder than the quietest models, and one buyer received a dead unit. Choose it if you want one gun for years of daily sessions, but not as a travel gun: pick a lighter model for the gym bag.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- A week of sessions between charges
- Warm-ups and cool-downs around workouts
- Low-impact cardio at home
For
- Anyone after a quick massage at home
- People who want cardio at home
- People who want to exercise indoors in any weather
Not For
- Users with small or weak hands
- Users with a recent injury or blood clot history
- Users who prefer training outdoors
Key Specs
- Type: Full-size massage gun
- Amplitude: 11 mm
- Stall force: 24 lb
- Weight: 2.2 lb
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- 8 h battery
- Lifetime warranty
- 5 speeds to choose from
Cons
- Louder than the quietest guns
- Hard to reach the middle of the back
- Not for bones or the front of the neck
Best Mini: Therabody Theragun Mini (3rd Gen)
Presentation
Best mini
Pick 2
Therabody Theragun Mini (3rd Gen)
Therabody Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) ranks #2 in this guide with a FitScore of 66.2/100. If you want strong percussion in a pocket-sized gun, the Therabody Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) weighs 0.99 lb yet gives about 12 mm of amplitude and 18 lb of stall force, with 3 speeds, a 3-hour battery, app routines and a travel case.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Massage Guns
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines six category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Mgun
If you want strong percussion in a pocket-sized gun, the Therabody Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) weighs 0.99 lb yet gives about 12 mm of amplitude and 18 lb of stall force, with 3 speeds, a 3-hour battery, app routines and a travel case.
Comfort reaches 80 of 100 and Practicality 86. Testers say it outperforms many guns twice its size and is comfortable in the hand, and owners take it on flights and work trips with its travel lock, using the app to pick a routine for each activity.
Three fixed speeds and three heads keep Features at 54, and the price holds Affordability at 54. Testers found the case less protective than others and owners note that it does less than a full-size Theragun on large muscles. Choose it if one gun must do the gym bag and the sofa, but not for the deepest work: the full-size picks go further into the quads and glutes.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Deep work on quads, glutes and calves
- Quick sessions at the gym or on trips
- Guided routines from the app
For
- Athletes who want deep percussion
- Users who travel with their gun
- Users who like guided routines
Not For
- Users who want the deepest percussion
- Users with a recent injury or blood clot history
- Users who prefer training outdoors
Key Specs
- Type: Mini massage gun
- Amplitude: 12 mm
- Stall force: 18 lb
- Weight: 0.99 lb
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- 3 h battery
- Light at 0.99 lb
- 12 mm amplitude for deep strokes
Cons
- Few attachments
- Hard to reach the middle of the back
- Not for bones or the front of the neck
Best Quiet With Heat: Bob and Brad C2 Pro with Heat and Cold
Presentation
Best quiet with heat
Pick 3
Bob and Brad C2 Pro with Heat and Cold
Bob and Brad C2 Pro with Heat and Cold ranks #3 in this guide with a FitScore of 65.6/100. If you want strong, quiet percussion with a heated and cooled head, the Bob and Brad C2 Pro with Heat and Cold combines 10 mm of amplitude, 44 lb of stall force, 5 speeds, a 40 dB motor, a carry case and an auto shut-off, at 1.5 lb.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Massage Guns
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines six category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Mgun
If you want strong, quiet percussion with a heated and cooled head, the Bob and Brad C2 Pro with Heat and Cold combines 10 mm of amplitude, 44 lb of stall force, 5 speeds, a 40 dB motor, a carry case and an auto shut-off, at 1.5 lb.
Comfort reaches 92 of 100 and Performance 85, and Affordability is 90. Owners call it powerful yet quiet and light for its power, like the heat and cold head, and praise the fast replacements from customer service.
Durability is only 8, and Practicality 40: the heat head charges separately, one buyer found the battery short, and two units stopped charging after some months. Choose it for depth and quiet at a moderate price, but register it and keep the receipt; owners rely on the brand’s customer service, which several praise for sending replacement units quickly when a gun stops charging.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Warm-up with a heated head
- Warm-ups and cool-downs around workouts
- Low-impact cardio at home
For
- Users who want a quiet gun
- Users who press hard into knots
- Anyone after a quick massage at home
Not For
- Users with a recent injury or blood clot history
- Users who prefer training outdoors
- Buyers who want a commercial-gym machine
Key Specs
- Type: Full-size massage gun
- Amplitude: 10 mm
- Stall force: 44 lb
- Weight: 1.5 lb
- Warranty: –
Pros
- Quiet at about 40 dB
- 44 lb stall force
- Carry case included
Cons
- Hard to reach the middle of the back
- Not for bones or the front of the neck
- Pressure takes practice to judge
Best Deep Strokes for Less: RENPHO R3 Power Massage Gun (R-C001)
Presentation
Best deep strokes for less
Pick 4
RENPHO R3 Power Massage Gun (R-C001)
RENPHO R3 Power Massage Gun (R-C001) ranks #4 in this guide with a FitScore of 65/100. If you want the deepest strokes for the money, the RENPHO R3 Power Massage Gun (R-C001) pairs 12 mm of amplitude with up to 50 lb of stall force, 6 speed levels, 6 heads, a 45 dB motor and a carry case, at 2.07 lb.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Massage Guns
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines six category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Mgun
If you want the deepest strokes for the money, the RENPHO R3 Power Massage Gun (R-C001) pairs 12 mm of amplitude with up to 50 lb of stall force, 6 speed levels, 6 heads, a 45 dB motor and a carry case, at 2.07 lb.
Performance reaches 91 of 100, the best of the guide, and Comfort 84. Owners call it powerful yet quiet, like the detachable extension handle for the back and calves, and find the charge fast and the battery long for daily short sessions.
Durability is only 8 and Practicality 40. One owner found it louder over time, the head can bounce if not held firmly, and no mains adapter comes in the box. Choose it for deep work on large muscles on a budget, but not for bony areas, as owners advise; the extension handle makes solo sessions on the back easier than with most guns in this guide.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Deep work on quads, glutes and calves
- Warm-ups and cool-downs around workouts
- Low-impact cardio at home
For
- Athletes who want deep percussion
- Users who want a quiet gun
- Users who press hard into knots
Not For
- Users with small or weak hands
- Users with a recent injury or blood clot history
- Users who prefer training outdoors
Key Specs
- Type: Full-size massage gun
- Amplitude: 12 mm
- Stall force: 50 lb
- Weight: 2.07 lb
- Warranty: –
Pros
- 12 mm amplitude for deep strokes
- Quiet at about 45 dB
- Carry case included
Cons
- Hard to reach the middle of the back
- Not for bones or the front of the neck
- Pressure takes practice to judge
Best Budget: Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun
Presentation
Best budget
Pick 5
Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun
Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun ranks #5 in this guide with a FitScore of 56.8/100. If you want a quiet, light gun for very little, the Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun has over 45 lb of stall force, 5 speeds, a 40 dB motor, a 10-minute auto shut-off, 5 heads and a carry case, at 1.5 lb.
FitGearHQ FitScore
FitScore for Massage Guns
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines six category scores using weights defined for this guide.
Why Choose This Mgun
If you want a quiet, light gun for very little, the Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun has over 45 lb of stall force, 5 speeds, a 40 dB motor, a 10-minute auto shut-off, 5 heads and a carry case, at 1.5 lb.
Comfort reaches 92 of 100 and Affordability 90. Owners say the motor works well on knots and stays quiet enough to hear the TV, and find it light and easy to grip, with a good range of heads for the price. It is not the deepest gun here, but its quiet motor suits evening sessions in a shared room.
Performance is 55 and Durability 8: some units stopped charging after months, heads can loosen, and the one button for power and speed takes getting used to. Choose it as a low-cost first gun; start on the lowest speed, since owners find it strong, and check that the head is tight before each session, because heads can loosen with use.
In a Nutshell
Best Usage
- Warm-ups and cool-downs around workouts
- Low-impact cardio at home
- Indoor training in any weather
For
- Users who want a quiet gun
- Users who press hard into knots
- Anyone after a quick massage at home
Not For
- Users with a recent injury or blood clot history
- Users who prefer training outdoors
- Buyers who want a commercial-gym machine
Key Specs
- Type: Full-size massage gun
- Amplitude: –
- Stall force: 45 lb
- Weight: 1.5 lb
- Warranty: –
Pros
- Quiet at about 40 dB
- 45 lb stall force
- Carry case included
Cons
- Hard to reach the middle of the back
- Not for bones or the front of the neck
- Pressure takes practice to judge
How We Selected the Best Massage Gun
Percussion leads at 30 points, then Comfort at 20, Durability and Affordability at 15 each, Practicality and Features at 10 each.
Every full-size and mini gun in our pool counts; a brand holds at most two places. 12 massage guns qualified. Our FitScore method explains every criterion.
| Category | Weight | What it measures for this buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 30 | Percussion: amplitude, stall force and speed levels |
| Comfort | 20 | Noise and weight in the hand |
| Durability | 15 | The warranty and the brand record |
| Affordability | 15 | How the price compares with the other massage guns in the guide |
| Practicality | 10 | Battery runtime and a carry case |
| Features | 10 | Attachments, app routines and a heated head |
How to Choose the Best Massage Gun
Massage guns differ by size, stroke depth and power.
Full-size gun: longer strokes and more stall force for large muscles; around 1.5 to 2.5 lb.
Mini gun: about 1 lb and pocket-sized for the gym bag; shorter strokes.
Heated head: some guns add a warm or cold head for warm-ups.
Pro tip: Keep the gun on muscle, never on bones, joints or the front of the neck, and spend a minute or two per muscle group, as most manuals suggest.
Start with amplitude and stall force: they decide how deep the gun works and how hard you can press. Then check the speed levels, the noise and the weight in your hand, the battery and a case if you travel. The number of heads and an app are extras.
Amplitude: 10 to 16 mm reaches large muscles.
Stall force: 30 lb or more lets you lean in.
Noise: under about 50 dB is calm enough for a shared room.
Checklist Before Buying a Massage Gun:
- Choose full-size or mini.
- Check the amplitude and stall force.
- Check the noise and weight.
- Check the battery life.
- Check the heads and the case.
- Read the warranty.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Choosing on top speed alone.
- Pressing on bones or joints.
- Using it on the front of the neck.
- Staying too long on one spot.
- Buying a heavy gun for travel.
Decision Shortcuts
Pick the form first, then depth, noise and budget.
Check the warranty terms before you buy: the FTC explains how to read a product warranty.
Best Overall: You want one gun for years of daily sessions: choose Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2).
Best Mini: You want strong percussion in a pocket-sized gun: choose Therabody Theragun Mini (3rd Gen).
Best Quiet With Heat: You want quiet, strong strokes and a heated head: choose Bob and Brad C2 Pro with Heat and Cold.
Best Deep Strokes for Less: You want the deepest strokes for the money: choose RENPHO R3 Power Massage Gun (R-C001).
Best Budget: You want a quiet first gun for very little: choose Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun.
Final Verdict
Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2) is our first choice for most people shopping for a massage gun. 12 full-size and mini massage guns were scored on percussion, durability, noise and weight, battery, attachments and price. Percussion carries the most weight here (30%): amplitude, stall force and speed levels. Amplitude is how far the head travels; stall force is how hard you can press before the motor stops. The NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that the risk of harm from massage appears low, with more caution for older adults.
For most buyers, Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2) is the best massage gun we would check first, after confirming its current price and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Massage Gun
In our ranking, the Ekrin Athletics B37v2 (EA-B37G2) (FitScore 66.6/100): 5 speeds, an 8-hour battery, 4 heads, a case and a lifetime warranty.
How far the head travels on each stroke; longer strokes reach deeper into large muscles.
How hard you can press before the motor stalls; more stall force lets you lean in.
A mini is lighter and fits a bag; a full-size gun goes deeper. See mini vs full-size massage gun.
Most makers suggest a minute or two per muscle group; follow the manual of your gun.
On bones, joints, the front of the neck or injured areas; the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also advises caution for older adults and people at higher risk of injury.
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