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A trip to the gym can leave your body crying out for a sports massage, while several sports massages can leave your bank balance crying out for a break. A massage gun can’t compete with a fully-fledged masseuse, but it can be a more cost-efficient way to relieve post-workout soreness after lifting weights.
If you’re not familiar with these products, these pistol-looking machines use something called percussive therapy – a more intense approach than something like acupressure, which slowly and consistently targets pressure points. In layman’s terms, they pummel you repeatedly – we promise it’s more pleasant than it sounds. Honestly – nothing quite compares to that unique feeling of having your muscles attacked so vigorously. All in the name of recovery, right?
The aim is to increase blood flow to the targeted area, with a systematic review published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology finding they could “improve short-term range of motion, flexibility and recovery-related outcomes” such as stiffness reduction.
Massage guns apply percussive therapy at different speeds, measured in percussions per minute (PPM). A good massage gun head will move anywhere from 1,400 PPM to 3,200 PPM. Many also come with several head attachments to choose from, as well as occasional swish bonus features like the Carmen massage gun’s cold compress head, but what’s most important is that they do the basics right.
Alongside packing a powerful motor, the best massage guns need excellent ergonomics, allowing you to comfortably manoeuvre them to target any muscle that ails you. It’s also worth taking noise into consideration – the last thing you want when recovering from a heavy gym session is a complaint from the neighbours.
But it’s an highly saturated market, with hundreds (if not thousands) of options to pick from, some with varying degrees of intensity. Below, some of our experts have tested some of the best massage guns available, reviewing them against the must-have points above. Read on to find out more about our favourites.
How we tested the best massage guns
Our testers used each product over several months, before and after visiting the gym, and other strenuous activities. They assessed numerous things, including:
How each tool eased pain of DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness): These massage guns were used before and after gym workouts. This was key for judging how useful each tool would be for regular gym-goers dealing with next-day stiffness. How they worked out knots from hiking and running: The days after running can be painful, especially if you’re packing in long distances. We paid close attention to how well the massage guns tackled tight, stubborn muscle knots – especially in the hamstrings, calves and lower back. How they eased stiff muscles from a day at work: Sitting at a desk all day can cause stiff, tired muscles, and many people experience upper back and neck tightness from sitting at a desk all day. We used each massage gun in the evening to assess how well it eased that kind of stiffness, and how quickly it worked.Ease of use: We assessed how comfortable each massage gun was to hold and manoeuvre, especially when targeting hard-to-reach areas like the upper back or shoulders. We also considered the weight and grip for reaching those sore muscles.Range of attachments and speeds: We tested the different heads and speed settings each massage gun offered, and whether they made a notable difference on individual muscle groups.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Claire O’Reilly has more than 20 years of experience as a features writer and editor. She is a keen fitness fanatic, having recently run a 100km ultra-marathon. She has tried and tested all kinds of exercise products, from women’s trail running shoes to the best headphones for running. Owing to her extensive fitness knowledge, she knows the types of products needed to aid recovery and has become an expert in massage guns.
Harry Bullmore is the Independent’s resident fitness writer. His average week is filled with a wide variety of workouts from gymnastics to Olympic weightlifting, and when he’s not training or writing he can be found coaching CrossFit and studying for a NASM personal training qualification. With a schedule this busy, recovery tools have become part and parcel of his routine, so Harry has become a massage gun expert.
The best massage guns for 2025 are:
Best overall – Bob and Brad M7 plus mini massage gun with heat therapy: £69.99, Amazon.co.ukBest for ergonomics – Renpho reach massage gun: £49.99, Amazon.co.ukBest budget massage gun – Homedics portable vibration massage gun: £24.86, Amazon.co.ukBest for recovery – Myomaster myolite: £89, Myomaster.com
