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It comes with three accessories that cover most recovery needs, from general recovery to light lymphatic work. However, I wish the assembly also came with a bullet or finger tip for targeting smaller points. It also does not have a storage tray, which would help in storing the extra elbows.
Photography: Butina Shukran
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun for $70: The Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a solid alternative to the Theragun Mini Plus if you need portability but don’t want to pay $280. At 1.5 pounds, it’s more than a pound lighter than the Mini Plus, which I appreciate when on the go, where every pound counts. You also get five attachments that all fit into the included travel bag.
Theragun Relief Therabody for $160: This is the last device of 2023 and remains the cheapest Theragun device to date. For the price, you sacrifice the LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app to control the device. But you can still follow guided routines on the app, and the simple one-button control is refreshing to use. There are three head attachments and three speed settings, and the relief is less than half its weight Pro Plus.
Therabody Theragun Sense device for $300: The Theragun Sense is slightly smaller and lighter than the Pro PlusAnd it’s also impressively quiet. It has the same LCD screen and breathing features as the Pro Plus as well. The main difference here is that it is compatible with fewer attachments, but four heads are still more than enough for an active individual.
Photography: Butina Shukran
Turonic G5 massage gun is $270: The Turonic G5 is powered by a 160W brushless motor 20 Adjustable speeds and five intensity modes, ranging from 1100 to 3200 rpm. It comes with seven massage heads and has a battery life of up to eight hours. He’s also the quietest previous massage gun reviewer Media Giordano Tested and recorded at approximately 40 dB. A couple of Amazon reviewers noted issues with its durability, and reported that it broke down after a few sessions. I’m just starting to re-evaluate it, so I can’t speak to its longevity yet, but I’ll report back. Note that the G5 also runs at full speed by default, which Giordano said was annoying at first.
Massage guns aren’t meant to be used in a lab, so I’m testing them in real-life scenarios where most people actually use them, like after workouts, travel, and long work days.
How do I choose what to test?
When I first launched this guide, I prioritized massage guns from well-known recovery brands, widely recommended models, and newer devices that have features like LED light and heat therapy. I am now expanding the test to include alternatives that are frequently mentioned on forums and by recovery experts. I also test models across a range of price points to find options for different budgets.
Where the testing occurs
Most of my testing takes place in everyday environments, including but not limited to my home, at the gym, and at the airport. I use massage guns before and after strength training, cardio, and sedentary work days to see how effective they are in relieving muscle pain and stiffness. I also pay attention to how easy they are to carry, how loud (or quiet) they are in small spaces, and how easy they are to store and pack.
How long do I test?
Each massage gun is tested for at least two weeks, with five sessions per week. This allows me to evaluate the battery life, the quality of the attachments, and whether the motor’s performance is consistent over time. My top picks stay in rotation for several months so I can compare them to newer releases and evaluate long-term durability.
I test each massage gun for at least two to four weeks. This is usually enough time for me to evaluate battery life, the usefulness of the attachments, and whether the performance will hold up over repeated sessions. My top picks stay in my cycle longer, sometimes several months, to compare them to newer models and judge long-term durability.
Standards
The best massage guns provide effective percussive therapy without excessive vibrations being transmitted through the handle. I look for motors that maintain power and speed under pressure, intuitive attachments that stay in place, easy-to-use controls, and batteries that last through multiple sessions on a single charge. Noise is also an important factor, especially in shared spaces. When deciding which devices to recommend, I like to consider the following:
Most of the massagers remain stock so I can continue long-term testing and compare newer versions to older models. Any models that were discontinued during the testing period were donated once testing was completed.