Massage guns are the must-have recovery item to help you crush your 2024 fitness goals. Did you know that James Harden uses the Theragun Pro (currently 40% off at Therabody during its New Year sale) off the basketball court? the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's Crystal Dunn uses that same Theragun as part of her daily training routine, too.
Even if you're not a pro, a great massage gun can be a game-changer for your new year workout plans. Studies show that using one regularly can improve muscle strength and flexibility. If you're already dealing with a chronic injury like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, a massage gun can provide powerful relief by improving range of motion and reducing pain during recovery, according to a University of Winchester study.
To prevent post-workout soreness or overuse injuries from back-to-back competitions and intensive training, athletes from just about every sport use massage guns and compression boots as part of their warm-up and recovery routines.
The best massage guns for 2024
Start the new year right by getting into the massage gun game. Here are our top picks to consider.
Best massage gun overall: Fusion Black Pro muscle massage gun
Fusion Black Pro is Amazon's best-selling massage gun and for good reason. The popular pick boasts an amplitude of 15 millimeters -- a measure of how deep down into the muscle tissue it can penetrate. That puts it just behind the top-of-the-line Theragun Pro when it comes to deep tissue massages. It also boasts ultra-quiet performance, clocking in at under 45 decibels even on its highest setting. That's helped it earn a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with over 11,700 reviews.
Originally priced at $200, it's now on sale at Amazon for $76. So if you're looking for a gift under $100 that feels like a luxury gift, this is it.
Top features of Fusion Black Pro Muscle:
- Choose between 20 levels of intensity, more than the Theragun Pro.
- Up to 3,200 RPM (revolutions per minute) on highest setting; 15 mm amplitude; 50 pounds maximum pressure
- Its battery lasts for 4-7 hours.
- Comes with six attachments for targeting different muscle groups, including a quad fork head for increasing circulation around injuries and sensitive areas.
- At 45 dB (decibels), this massage gun is quieter than the Theragun Pro.
Best massage gun splurge: Theragun Pro
Therabody is one of the top recovery brands, making compression boots, eye massagers and more to help you get the most out of your recovery days. But the brand's best offering has to be its line of premium massage guns.
The Theragun Pro is one of the most powerful massage guns on the market by just about every measure. It delivers a maximum pressure of 60 pounds to work out even the toughest knots. That's paired with an amplitude of 16 millimeters to reach the deepest layers of muscle tissue that other massage guns miss. Plus, it connects to the Therabody app via Bluetooth so you can control the massage gun from your phone and save your own custom massage routines.
The percussive massage gun was originally priced at $599, but shoppers have a chance to grab it now during Therabody's New Year sale for $499.
Top features of Theragun Pro:
- The massage gun features a rotating arm that makes it easier to access hard-to-reach muscles.
- Choose from 5 built-in speeds, or set your own custom speed and force settings.
- This powerful design features 16 mm amplitude for deep tissue massage and 60 pounds maximum pressure.
- Get six attachments, including a closed-cell foam attachment for gentle massaging near bones and sore areas.
- The package includes two rechargeable batteries for uninterrupted use.
- It's one of the best massage guns you can buy, period, but its premium price reflects that.
Best budget massage gun: Flyby massage gun
The Flyby massage gun is lightweight and surprisingly versatile thanks to the six massage head attachments that come with it. The fork is great for massaging around your spine, Achilles heel, and other tricky areas. Then switch to the bullet when you need targeted relief of that knot or tender spot in your back, neck or shoulders.
The budget-friendly massage gun is just $60 on Amazon and has earned 4.4 stars from over 18,000 ratings.
Top features of Flyby Percussion massage gun:
- Get a soothing vibration massage with up to 3,200 RPM.
- The battery lasts for up to four hours, enough for a whole week of massages.
- The massage gun comes with six attachments.
- This massager is less powerful than more expensive options, with 10 mm amplitude and 25 pounds maximum pressure.
- It weighs less than 2 pounds, so using it won't feel like another workout.
Best massage gun for travel: Theragun Mini 2.0
The Theragun Mini 2.0 packs some serious punch for such a small massage gun. With a 12 mm amplitude, you can get deep tissue massages even when you're on the go. But the best thing about it is probably the fact that you can use it with any of your other fourth- or fifth-generation Theragun attachments. So you can keep your Theragun Pro at home and just pack this mini along with your most-used attachments for your next trip.
Right now, you have a chance to get it from Therabody for just $169 (reduced from $199).
Top features of Theragun Mini 2.0 Massage Gun:
- Small enough to fit in a purse, and at 1.5 pounds, it won't weigh you down.
- Easily fits in a travel bag (it's TSA-approved for travel).
- 12 mm amplitude, 20 pounds maximum pressure
Best Therabody alternative: Hypervolt 2 Pro
The Hypervolt 2 Pro is made by Hyperice, the same company that makes our favorite compression recovery boots. It's designed to be one of the quietest massage guns on the market. but what really sets it apart is the personalized controls you get when you connect it to the Hyperice app.
From the app, you can adjust the speed and pressure based on your own preferences and then choose from a menu of guided routines for warm-up, recovery and maintenance.
Best of all, if you connect it to your other fitness apps like Strava or Garmin, you can get personalized routine recommendations based on your daily activity and other health and fitness data.
Right now, you can get it while it's on sale for just $279 (reduced from $329).
Top features of Hypervolt 2 Pro:
- The Hypervolt 2 Pro comes with 5 attachments.
- The app gives more personalized recommendations than other connected massage guns.
- This massage gun has a quiet but powerful 90-watt brushless motor.
Shop more top-rated massage guns on Amazon
- Get a massage gun under $50: Aerlang massage gun, $27 after coupon (reduced from $34)
- Best heated massage gun: Renpho Active+, $90 after coupon (reduced from $110)
- Best for targeting multiple muscle groups: Toloco massage gun, $40 after coupon (reduced from $76)
