TLDR: If you’re in a hurry the Opove Apex Massage Gun is the Best Massage Gun according to reddit! In our assessment, the Opove Apex Massage Gun received a perfect score for its effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and value. It excelled at targeting trigger points and relieving sore spots, making it ideal for deep tissue massage enthusiasts.
- Effortless to Use – Opove Apex massage gun with 45º holding angle design, the center is just where you hold it, that let you use the massage gun effortless, without wrist fatigue; the weight of the product itself is well converted into pushing force during use, allowing you to use the massage gun easily.
- Professional Therapist Choice – 14.5mm amplitude reaches your tissues deeper than 60% of other massagers; Max 50lbs stall force deliver more effective massage and pain relief; also can be used continuously for more than 3.5 hours.
- High-precision Structure - The structural design comes from the university mechanics laboratory. The high-precision structure can not only reduce noise, but also increase the durability of the product. The most important thing is that the high-precision structure will not deviate from the hit position during massage, making the massage more comfortable and efficient.
There are many a time when we hit the gym, we go completely all in on our favorite muscle group only to have excruciating muscle pain or DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) later in the evening. Similarly, if you resort to high-intensity cardio sessions frequently, you most likely go through DOMS often. Times like this can bring a pretty bad dose of helplessness as you cannot do anything but bear the pain. Some resort to ice baths, while others resort to keep moving around and flexing the muscle again and again.
Chances are you have been looking for a massage gun to ease those sore muscles. In this article, we discuss some of the best massage guns that can help you release those cramps. We have taken a lot of input from Reddit as well. To the uninitiated, Reddit is a micro-blogging site where people across the world discuss different topics on the internet. Be it muscle training, running, cardio, or even other random topics like air fryers or nature photography. There’s everything for everyone. And yes, there’s a forum for Massage Guns too.
Real People. Authentic Opinions.
Ultimately all your body needs in such instances is rest. If you want to come back stronger and continue your performance the next time you hit the gym, resting, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep will help speed up your recovery. Using a massage gun as part of your cooldown or even as part of the warmup can relieve sore muscles or prep them before a workout.
Massage guns can be helpful tools for relieving sore muscles and preventing soreness when used before and after workouts. They target muscles with rapid-fire pulses, aiming to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home.
Note: When it comes to proven efficacy and benefits of Massage Guns, there’s no concrete evidence. A very small number of studies have been conducted including the exploring of the effects of percussive massage on athletic performance (Theragun provided the equipment for that study) and another discovering that five minutes of pummeling calf muscles increased range of motion (the study used a Hyperice Hypervolt). Many medical professionals have stated that the use of massage guns provide minuscule benefits and temporary relief at best. Therapeutically, using one can feel great—and that might be one of the most important factors.
“As long as you’re not causing any detriment or harm—whether that be to the body or to the pockets—if it makes you feel better, then go ahead and use it,” said Christopher Hicks, MD, clinical associate of orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Chicago Medicine.
Before we proceed to check out some of the best massage guns, let’s do a small dive into what exactly a massage gun is and what are some of the terms/features you should know. If you have an idea of what you are looking for, head on right over to the best massage guns section.
What exactly is a Massage Gun? How does it work?
A Massage Gun is a handheld device designed to provide targeted muscle therapy and relaxation. It is also known as a percussion massager simply due to the fact that it delivers percussive massage.
Now for those of you who do not know what a percussive massage is, it is a type of massage based on a Swedish massage technique called tapotement. Quick, repeated strikes to the body or targeted muscle group. These percussive movements penetrate the muscles and tissues, helping to stimulate blood flow, relax muscle tension, and potentially reduce pain and discomfort.
The speed and intensity of the massage gun can be adjusted to suit your preferences or your therapeutic needs. Some massage guns have different attachments or heads to target specific muscle groups or to provide a varying massage sensation. For instance, smaller, narrower attachments work well on areas like feet, hands, and calves; rounder, wider shapes work well on larger muscle groups such as quads, glutes, and hamstrings.
Some of the certain terms you should look out for while purchasing a new massage gun:
- Amplitude: It refers to how far or deep inside your body the shaft moves. The repeated in-and-out motion gives relieving sensation. The greater the amplitude, the deeper the massage. It is often calculated in millimeters.
- Percussions per minute: Also referred to as ppm, this the speed at which the device drums into your body.
- Noise level: Some machines come with a noise level indication and some don’t. We would highly suggest having live testing of the device so that you can gauge whether the level of noise is appropriate or not. Massage guns are highly notorious for their noise. It can sometimes be a tad bit annoying to have a very noisy machine drumming into your limbs.
- Stall force: This measurement indicates the amount of pressure (in pounds) that you can apply to the device during use before the motor stops. A massage gun with higher stall force can deliver more intense and deeper massage pressure, allowing it to effectively target and release tension in muscles and tissues. This can be beneficial if you are seeking a more robust massage experience or if you want to target larger muscle groups or go for a deeper muscle tension.
- Battery Life: There is nothing more frustrating than your massage gun running out on you in the middle of an intense session. We all hate being cut short. Look for a massage gun with good battery life so that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of charging it again and again.
Best Massage Gun in 2023 According to Reddit
1. Opove Apex Massage Gun
Designed to be super quiet, the Opove Apex Massage Gun is a high-precision massage gun made with sound-absorbing and drop-resistant materials. Opove is known for its high-quality massage guns, and the Apex does not disappoint. Its 45º holding angle design ensures easy and comfortable use, minimizing wrist fatigue and pain. No more switching hands constantly due to forearm ache. The weight of the device is effectively converted into pushing force, allowing for smooth operation.
In our assessment, the Opove Apex Massage Gun received a perfect score for its effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and value. It excelled at targeting trigger points and relieving sore spots, making it ideal for deep tissue massage enthusiasts. The device comes with multiple smaller attachments for more intense kneading, adding to its versatility.
Specifications
Noise: 45-55 dB
Stall Force: 50 pounds
Weight: 2.3 pounds
Customizability: 6 head attachments
Battery Life: 3.5 hours
- Super Quiet
- Great Battery Life
- Easy to Manuever
- The lowest setting may not be gentle
Here’s what Redditors have to say about Opove Apex Massage Gun:
‘I was pretty skeptical, then a sports medicine student friend demonstrated a deep tissue massage on my shoulders and upper back. It actually almost hurt!! But when she was done…my neck and shoulders were much less sore, and I could move around better and hold better posture without pain. I was sold!
So she helped me pick out a massager – she recommended the Opove Apex, which is a pro level device with really strong and deep action.
Its not cheap, but it was half the price of a popular pro massager that actually has less power. I love it!
You might try borrowing one to give it a try. Or even better, have someone who knows how to use it use it on you, so you know the proper techniques. ‘ – u/deleted
‘I highly recommend opove Apex Massage Gun Deep…
The stroke depth is 14.5mm, compared to 16mm of the Theragun. Cheaper massage guns only do about 5mm. This thing is bulletproof, feels substantial.’ – u/hamburderglar
‘Lol, I’ve just realized that was a question about Teragun. At the end I’ve decided to go with a different brand, and got the Opove Apex. And what a great choice! Its really good, very strong, great battery and I like it.’ – u/commercialclue1851
2. Therabody Theragun Prime
One of the most well-renowned brands in the massage gun industry, Theragan Prime by Therabody is a standout massage gun that offers excellent effectiveness, comfort, and ease of use. It emerged as our top choice among Theragun models, surpassing even more expensive options.
High effective in relieving sore muscles post-workout, it emerged as a top choice among Theragun models for many athletes. One of the highlights of Theragun Prime is its budget-friendly nature without compromising on the features necessary for effective muscle relief. It comes with four head attachments, providing versatility in targeting different muscle groups. It also features a Bluetooth sync connectivity with the accompanying smart app which makes it a valuable tool for initial setup and offers helpful how-to video guides.
Specifications
Noise: Not Provided
Stall Force: 30 pounds
Weight: 2.2 pounds
Customizability: 4 head attachments
Battery Life: 2 hours
- Ergonomic Group
- Affordable Theragun option
- Bluetooth Integration
- Shorter Battery Life
Here’s what Redditors have to say about Therabody Theragun Prime:
‘I have a theragun, purchased last year and haven’t regretted it. I use a foam roller and lacrosse ball during daily morning mobility, but prefer the Thera in the evening to address specific spots. It’s been invaluable for hip flexors, lats and quads.
It’s a premium good without question, and there are countless cheap alternatives – but if you’re in the market for something my vote goes to the real thing.’ – u/colton_davis88
‘You can get the smallest theragun for under $250 and let me tell you what it is LIFE changing. I would often wake up in the middle of the night because of leg muscles aching and this has totally helped that. AND if you’re like me, a serial sloucher attached to a computer for work, it also helps your shoulder / back muscles a ton.’ – u/Super-Ad1779
3. Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0
Featuring a second massage gun from the same brand, we cannot blame ourselves if Therabody is so darn good with their products. The Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0 is a budget-friendly and highly portable massage gun that delivers effective muscle relief. However, the design of this product is by far one of the best designs we have seen and it clearly stands out the most from all the other massage guns we have featured.
However, it’s not just the design that makes it special. It’s the portability too. One of the only massage guns that isn’t too bulky or heavy, you can take it anywhere you go. Be it the gym or trekking, it’s guaranteed to fit inside your gym bag or hiking pack with no issues.
It is a great option for you if you have weak hands or you struggle with chronic arthritis pain, as its sleek and ergonomic grip reduces strain on your hands during its use.
Specifications
Noise: Not Provided
Stall Force: 20 pounds
Weight: 1 pound
Customizability: 3-speed settings
Battery Life: 2.5 hours
- Portable
- Compatible with other Theragn Attachments
- Only comes with one head attachment
- Low stall force
- Short Battery Life
Here’s what Redditors have to say about the Theragun Mini 2.0:
‘I have one and love it , money well spent , cheap ones don have the power or durability’ – u/Top_Solution1616
‘Theragun Mini — it usually goes on sale at Target around Christmas time. I use it to warm up. Works really well!
My physical therapist told me to use it on the “meaty” parts of your body.’ – u/Potential-Custard-41
‘I love my Theragun Mini. I bring it with me whenever I travel to easily get rid of knots.’ – u/uncleguito
One of the Redditors made a fun post asking: ‘What ridiculous purchase have you made that you didn’t even need?’ To which u/trash_panda7710 replied:
‘Ugh, I just spent almost $200 on a mini travel theragun massage thing because I’m traveling and can’t pack the full-size one.
I rationalized it as I’d be sore from traveling and then sore from dance workshops all week, so I NEEDED it.’
And u/allegedlyostriches also chimed in with ‘That’s a legit expense. Enjoy your trip, and your theragun!’
4. Ekrin Athletics B37S
With a whopping eight-hour battery life, The Erin Athletics B37S is sure to win hearts. It has the longest battery life out of all the featured massage guns on this list. This extended battery life ensures that you won’t have to constantly charge the device, making it convenient for longer massage sessions or when you’re on the go.
Compared to other massage guns, the Ekrin Athletics B37S is sturdy yet less bulky, making it easier to handle and maneuver. The power button, conveniently located at the top of the handle, allows for easy speed control. Even at the lowest speed setting, the B37S delivers powerful vibrations, ensuring effective muscle relief.
Specifications
Noise: 33dB – 55dB
Stall Force: 56 pounds
Weight: 2.2 pounds
Customizability: 5-speed settings
Battery Life: 8 hours
- Impressive stall force
- Long battery life
- Quieter than most massage guns
- The handle is angled for extra comfort
- Expensive
- Loud on Highest Setting
U/cpiccolo had an excellent experience with the Ekrin B37s. Here’s what he said:
‘My Ekrin arrived last week. The unit is nice. Feels really well built. It came partially charged but I plugged it in overnight to make sure it had a full charge initially.
I brought it to my chiropractor to look at and he agreed that at the price point it is a very good option. I requested he use it on me so we could both get an apples to apples comparison since he uses the Hypervolt in his practice (generally with the soft ball on me).
Using the same pressure and technique with the Ekrin, it felt more of a vibration massager than percussion. When he switched to the thumb attachment and a higher setting I got a similar “feel” to the Hypervolt.
Overall my impressions are positive. For self-use I can certainly compensate for what feels like a lower amplitude because I can modulate the pressure. The attachments switch easily. I’ve used it maybe a little over an hour total so haven’t had any need to recharge.
I have large hands (L to XL gloves) so can grip it any number of ways to get the angle needed for reaching my back, but I could see someone with small hands having trouble with certain areas on their own depending on grip strength and flexibility. I also haven’t tried a Hypervolt myself or anything with that design to compare the ease of use for reaching back muscles but presume the angled handle of the Ekrin would be advantageous.’
5. Renpho Power Massage Gun
The Renpho Power Massage Gun stands out as an effective and affordable option for those seeking the benefits of a massage gun without breaking the bank. With its six powerful percussion speeds and six different attachments, including bullet head, flat head, air cushion, ball head, shovel head, and U head, you have a variety of options to customize your massage experience and target specific muscle groups.
Being one of the most affordable options on this list, its low price point is not the only thing that had our attention. We found that the Renpho Power Massage Gun effectively relieved muscle tension and aches, leaving us feeling relaxed after each session. Even at the lower speeds, the intensity of the massage was quite impressive, and as we got more comfortable, we could crank up the speed for a more intensive treatment, particularly on larger muscles like the hamstrings.
Specifications
Noise: 45dB
Stall Force: 30 pounds
Weight: 1.9 pounds
Customizability: 6-head attachment
Battery Life: 3 hours
- Less than 100 Dollars
- Six Head Attachments
- LED Display
- USB C-Type Charging
- Low Battery Life
- Power Button is pretty close to the thumb grip (Accidental shut off)
Here’s what Redditors have to say about the Renpho Power Massage Gun:
‘I have the Renpho massage cut and LOVE it. Way less $$than most brands and it has all the same accessories and approximately 6 hours of battery life from what I can tell now.’ – u/klauren5690
‘I researched massage guns for days before finding this. Nothing seemed good enough: the Theragun is big and super loud, the Hypervolt is ugly and overpriced, the others are mostly generic garbage…The Renpho Power seems to check all boxes and is a fraction of the price. In some ways it’s even better: quieter than any of them, smaller, comes with a case, looks way better, and is USB-C chargeable… I couldn’t ask for more. There are a few cases when I wish the travel/amplitude was larger so I could work thick leg muscles more deeply: for this, a Theragun would be better, but overall I would not exchange this for that. I’m very happy with this and I’m considering buying a few as gifts for friends.’ – u/SharonHubb
Why you should avoid knockoffs
Before we get to why you should go for a proven brand rather than a knock-off, let us go through a couple of views our fellow Redditors have:
‘pay attention to stroke length and stall force. Many of the “knockoffs” lack both compared to the name brands. It’s getting better though, but start by looking at those. Also, many of the attachments of the knockoffs are cheap plastic – not as comfortable as the hypervolt and definitely not as comofortable as the theragun, which has the most comfy.’ – u/baller1207
‘I have a Bob & Brad. thing is awesome. It’s like the #3 reviewed massage gun behind the $400 Theragun/Hypervolt brand.
Do not cheap out and get one of the knockoff amazon models. i bought one to try out and the weak motor… you can tell a big difference.’ – u/blissful_residency
We get it. Massage guns can be a bit expensive and the knockoffs are very attractive for that price. Massage guns available for less than 50 dollars can be too enticing. But one important factor you have to keep in mind is that these knockoffs are made with cheap quality plastic. Most often, these machines fall apart.
Now you may say that it can still be better than just splurging 300-400 dollars on a branded massage gun. Well, none of the knockoffs can match the amplitude of a branded massage gun. In simpler words, they lack the firepower. You do not want mild vibrations on your body. You want a massage gun that digs deep and massages those strained sore muscles.
On the other hand, Brands like Therabody and Hypervolt have proven themselves in the market and are reliable when it comes to service. If your massage gun breaks down and if it is covered under warranty, worry not! You can have it repaired – No Questions Asked.
Also, there’s no real accountability if using the knockoffs leads to you having an injury. Massage guns for big brands have been manufactured with consumer safety in mind. If an injury occurs, you can hold the company accountable. Unlike knock-off brands whose company may not exist.
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Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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