It comes with three attachments that cover most recovery needs, from general recovery to light lymphatic work. That said, I wish the Rally also came with a bullet or fingertip head to target smaller spots. It also doesn’t include a storage case, which would’ve helped stash the two extra attachments.
Compare Top 5 Massage Guns
Honorable Mentions
Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun for $70: The Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a solid alternative for the Theragun Mini Plus, if you need portability but don’t want to pay $280. Weighing 1.5 pounds, it’s more than a pound lighter than the Mini Plus, which I appreciate on commutes, where every pound matters. You also get five attachments that all fit into the included travel case.
Therabody Theragun Relief for $160: This is the last of 2023’s devices and remains the cheapest Theragun so far. For the price tag, you’re sacrificing the LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app for device control. 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 the weight of the Pro Plus.
Therabody Theragun Sense for $300: The Theragun Sense is slightly smaller and lighter than the Pro Plus, and it’s also impressively quiet. It has the same LCD screen and breath work features as the Pro Plus, too. The main difference here is that it’s compatible with fewer attachments, but four heads are still more than enough for the active individual.
Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
Turonic G5 Massage Gun for $270: The Turonic G5 is powered by a 160-watt brushless motor with 20 adjustable speeds and five intensity modes, ranging from 1,100 to 3,200 rpm. It comes with seven massage heads and boasts up to eight hours of battery life. It’s also the quietest massage gun former reviewer Medea Giordano tested, registering at about 40 decibels. A couple of Amazon reviewers have noted issues with its durability, reporting that it broke after a few sessions. I’ve just started reevaluating it, so I can’t speak to its longevity just yet, but I will report back. Note, the G5 also powers on at max speed by default, which Giordano said was jarring at first.
Massage guns aren’t meant to be used in a lab, so I test them in real-life scenarios where most people would actually use them, like after workouts, travel, and long workdays.
How I Choose What to Test
When I first launched this guide, I prioritized massage guns from established recovery brands, widely recommended models, and newer devices with features like LED light and heat therapy. I’m now expanding testing to include alternatives frequently mentioned in forums and by recovery experts. I also test models across a range of price points to find options for different budgets.
Where Testing Happens
Most of my testing happens in everyday environments, including but not limited to my home, in the gym, and at the airport. I use massage guns before and after strength training, cardio, and sedentary workdays to see how effectively they relieve muscle soreness and stiffness. I also pay attention to how portable they are, how loud (or quiet) they sound in small spaces, and how easy they are to store and pack.
How Long I Test
Each massage gun is tested for at least two weeks, with five sessions per week. This allows me to evaluate battery life, attachment quality, and whether the motor performance holds up over time. My top picks remain in my rotation for months so I can compare them against newer releases and evaluate long-term durability.
I test each massage gun for at least two to four weeks. That’s typically enough time for me to assess battery life, attachment usefulness, and whether performance holds up over repeated sessions. My top picks stay in my rotation longer, sometimes for months, to compare them against newer models and judge long-term durability.
Criteria
The best massage guns deliver effective percussive therapy without excessive vibrations traveling through the handle. I look for motors that maintain power and speed under pressure, intuitive attachments that stay in place, user-friendly controls, and batteries that last through multiple sessions on a single charge. Noise is also a factor, especially for shared spaces. When deciding which devices to recommend, I like to consider:
- Motor power and stall force, which is how much pressure the device can handle before it stops working.
- Speed range and intensity levels.
- Noise levels across different speeds and modes.
- Battery life compared to manufacturer claims.
- Weight, comfort, and ergonomics during extended sessions.
Most of the massage guns remain in storage so I can continue long-term testing and compare newer releases against older models. Any models that were discontinued during the testing period were donated once testing was complete.
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