ARTICLE AD BOX
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.
These pistol-looking products 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.
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), with a good massage gun head moving at 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.
Below, we’ve tested some of the best massage guns on the market, 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 before and after visiting the gym. They assessed how well each tool eased the pain of delayed-onset muscle soreness or DOMS – the dreaded aching that can follow a strenuous session. They also gauged how well the guns could work out any knots and sore spots after hiking and running, as well as using them for everyday tasks such as helping me soothe stiff muscles after a day at work.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Claire O’Reilly has more than 20 years of experience as a freelance features writer and editor. She is a keen fitness fanatic, having recently run a 100km ultra-marathon. 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 personal training qualification. With a schedule this busy, recovery tools have become part and parcel of his routine.
The best massage guns for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Bob and Brad M7 plus mini massage gun with heat therapy: £59.49, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for ergonomics – Renpho reach massage gun: £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget massage gun – Homedics portable vibration massage gun: £24.86, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for recovery – Myomaster myolite: £89, Myomaster.com
- Best for deep-tissue massage – Muscle Gun carbon: £134.99, Amazon.co.uk
English (US) ·