If you’re after a pocket-friendly massage gun that still offers versatility, consider this fuss-friendly Boots offering. It’s on the heavy side despite its small stature and the short handle made it trickier to reach sore spots on our backs, but it’s a snip for under £50. We love the Renpho Extend Massage Gun’s detachable long handle, which makes it a breeze to massage hard-to-reach parts on our back.
This massage gun was very effective at reaching specific trigger points and particularly sore spots. As fans of deep tissue massage, we also loved that the device comes with multiple smaller attachments for more intense kneading. It comes with four massage heads, but these could be better quality.
For anyone who is looking to try out a massage gun or even a more veteran exerciser who has tried massage guns out in the past, this gun is truly versatile. It’s great for both people who like more relaxing, lighter massages and people who like deep tissue massage. So whether you need to relieve soreness from high-intensity workouts or just want to wind down after low-impact cardio, like exercising on an elliptical, this massage gun has you covered.
Gavin Hamer, DPT, is a doctor of physical therapy and the National Director of Education for FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers. Massage guns have been a leader in the recovery space for over a decade now. But since each one comes with different intensities and attachments, you need some know-how to make the most of your purchase. Runner’s World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. You want something light
The Renpho R3 Mini Massage Gun weighs in at under a kilo, so it’s both easy to hold and carry. You need easy charging
The Renpho R3 Mini Massage Gun is powered up using the included USB cable.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the features before buying a massage gun. More basic options may only have one or two heads and up to three speeds, whereas fancier models typically come with five or more attachments and several speed settings. Higher-end devices often have additional bells and whistles, like digital displays, Bluetooth connectivity, guided sessions, smart pressure sensors, or an auto-shutoff feature. Our number-one pick is the Renpho R3 (model RP-GM171), a compact yet powerful device measuring just 7 x 6 x 2.5 inches and weighing only 1.5 pounds, which makes it a breeze to handle. The high-frequency design offers five speeds ranging from 2500 to 3200 percussive beats per minute.
The noise reduction technology on the gun means the sound runs below 45 decibels, making for a pretty quiet massage. We found that the strength of each speed was appropriately intense for the level, making it effective in warming up muscles before a workout, releasing muscle tension, and helping with deeper muscle pains. We also loved how easy the long handle was to use and didn’t find it tiring to hold for longer periods.
A flat head made from a firm composite serves a similar purpose, and is generally a good bet for deeper tissue relief. This massage gun doesn’t have smart features like an integrated force meter that tells you how much renpho massage pressure you’re applying to the device or an adjustable ergonomic arm. It also doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, and thus none of the in-app controls that are becoming mainstays in higher-end percussive devices.
Compared with using the (much more expensive) Theragun Elite, I found it wasn’t quite as effective as the Theragun, which is faster and penetrates deeper into the muscle. While this might have obvious benefits, its sheer brute force could also deter someone who’s using it for the first time. Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. She uses the TOLOCO Massage Gun to relax her stiff back and uses it after training and runs to loosen her tight hips. Twee fridge magnets across the UK will encourage you to enjoy the smaller things in life. Luckily, Hyperice makes this advice easy to follow with its latest compact massage gun.
The compact Theragun Mini measures 6 x 5 x 2 inches and weighs less than one and a half pounds. Though it only comes with the standard ball-head attachment, this travel-friendly massage gun offers percussive therapy with vibrations as fast as 2400 RPM. The Hypervolt Plus is one of the spendier options out there, but its high-tech design doesn’t disappoint. This powerful massage gun connects to the Hyperice app renpho foot massager via Bluetooth to guide you through acupressure routines designed for every body part and muscle group. What’s more, the brand’s patented Quiet Glide technology calls on a high-torque motor to help your muscles warm up and recover from each routine. Between the slender grip and the product weight of just 1.5 pounds, I find the R3 easier to hold for longer periods of time compared to other similar massagers.
This massage gun has been slashed by an incredible 60% in the Spring Sale. It comes with eight different head attachments, so you can customise it to suit a particular body part, and 30 different speed levels – the most we’ve ever seen. It also comes with a portable suitcase, which is perfect if you’re planning on travelling for a race and want to take your recovery device with you.