Best Percussion Massagers of 2021

Percussive therapy promotes muscle tissue cell growth and repair by delivering rapid, concentrated pulses deep below the surface of the skin, thereby increasing blood flow to the affected area alleviating pain and expanding range of motion. With the addition of the massage gun to your toolbox, the effects of this breakthrough technique are readily accessible through self-massage at home or as an adjunct service provided by massage therapists, physical therapists and chiropractors.

A percussion massager, or massage gun, is a drill-like tool that delivers the many benefits of percussive therapy in a robotic form. Ideally, your massage gun will have interchangeable head attachments and adjustable speeds in order to treat different levels of soreness and parts of the body.

After careful consideration and comparison of specifications from multiple manufacturers, the following factors have proven reliable in determining our Best of Percussion Massagers picks. For more detail about each of these factors, please refer to: Power, Portability, Functionality, Battery Life and Price.

The Thumper® Verve Massager is a high quality, yet cost-effective single sphere percussion massager. Created to deliver a targeted massage, this compact powerhouse’s mouse-like design is easy to maneuver and with practice becomes like an extension of your own hand. The Verve comes with 3 interchangeable massage heads and variable speed control from 20 to 40 pulses per second to customize your massage experience.

Specifications & Features:

• Size: 3.5” W x 7.5” L x 3.5” H
• Weight: 2 lbs.
• FDA Class 1 approved
• Electrically approved UL, CSA, CE
• 2-year warranty

Pros:

• Compact & ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and maneuver;
• Interchangeable massage heads and variable speeds allow for a customized experience from light massage to deep tissue massage.

Cons:

• May not be as powerful as other mini massagers especially for lower back or thighs;
• Smaller coverage area make it less effective on larger muscles.

Therabody, formerly Theragun’s, Mini percussion massager is the convenient on-the-go solution for amateurs and professionals alike. Ergonomically designed to comfortably use with one hand, the Theragun Mini is a great alternative for both pre and post-workout sessions or soothing muscle aches, pains and strains. Despite its small size, it offers similar speed settings and power to its more advanced counterparts. The Mini can accommodate all 4th Generation Theragun accessory heads and comes complete with a soft carry case, power adapter, and the standard ball attachment.

Specifications & Features:

• Size: 6 in x 5.3 in x 2.25 in
• Weight: 1.43 lbs
• 12v internal lithium ion battery
• 150 minute battery life with 80 minute charge time
• 12 mm Amplitude

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Utilizes QuietForce technology for super quiet performance
• Ultra-portable
• Compatible with other 4G massage heads

Cons:

• Maximum of 20 pounds force
• Not strong enough for deep tissue massage
• 1 year Limited Warranty

Although the Thumper® Verve is a close runner-up, the cordless portability, no-stall quiet technology, powerful percussive performance in respect to size, and lighter weight of the Theragun Mini won us over. While everyday muscle aches and tension can be worked away by both the Verve and the Mini, the Theragun Mini meets our standard of excellence for compact massage guns with flying colors.

* Massage Warehouse offers a 110% Price Match Guarantee

The Thumper® Sport percussive massager was created for at-home use by those with active lifestyles or anyone requiring the benefits of regular massage including pain relief, stress reduction, insomnia improvement, adhesion breakdown and improved circulation. With that in mind, the Thumper Sport® is designed with a long ergonomic handle to help reach all areas of the body and offers variable speeds and two massage head attachments to customize treatments, alleviate muscle soreness, and promote relaxation and circulation. This model is not as expensive or portable as other models in its family but will be plenty of massager for most casual at-home users.

Specifications & Features:

• Patented drive system technology transmits energy deep into the muscle tissue
• Feedback system that prevents low speed stalls
• Size: 16 in x 6 in x 5 in
• Weight: 3 lbs
• FDA Class 1 Approved
• Electrically approved UL, CSA, CE
• 2-year warranty

Pros:

• 2 sets of attachments for variety of massage needs
• Variable speed control to customize treatments
• “True Speed” feedback system
• Long ergonomic handle
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Corded design limits use
• Not enough muscle penetration for some users
• Not exceptionally durable

With an innovative ergonomic design, customizable settings via an easy-to-use companion app, and one of the most powerful amplitudes on the market, the Theragun Elite™ massage gun effectively targets different muscle groups to relieve pain and soreness with accuracy. More efficient than a foam roller, this professional-level percussion massager offers complete versatility with five different interchangeable attachment heads each contoured for varying uses including pre-workout warm-up, post-workout cool-downs, or for therapeutic sports or deep tissue massage. The unit is lightweight, operates on a cordless battery with a life of about 120 minutes and comes complete with a carry case for ultimate portability. If the Elite has a downside, we would say it is a bit noisier than expected although quieter than most of the other products in the Theragun family.

Specifications & Features:

• Size: 9.5 in x 6.7 in x 2.8 in
• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• 12v internal lithium ion battery
• 120 minute battery life with 80 minute charge time
• 16 mm Amplitude
• 5 Built-in Speeds with app-controlled customizable speed range (any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute)
• Smart App Integration via Bluetooth, OLED Screen, Customizable Speed Range, 3 App-Guided Preset Routines Saved on Device
• Includes Elite Smart Percussive Therapy Device, Protective Carrying Case, 5 Attachments, Power Adapter

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity to a companion app allows for easy speed adjustments and preset programs
• Powerful settings offer unmatched, long-lasting deep-tissue relief
• Versatility of 5 massage head attachments
• Ultimate portability
• We also view the Theragun Elite™ as a genuine time-saver. It provides relief far more quickly than a foam roller, and the effects can last into the next day.

Cons:

• Battery cannot be removed
• Limited reach when using for self-massage
• Quieter than others, but noisier than expected
• 1 year Limited Warranty

The Theragun Elite™ lives up to its name by delivering ‘elite’ level percussive performance, ultra portability, technologically advanced connectivity to offer maximum flexibility and quiet performance all at a decent price point for a percussion massager of this high quality.

The G5 GBM Handheld Massager was created for home use and light work in a professional setting. One of G5’s smaller devices, this unit offers variable speed control to provide multiple levels of therapeutic deep tissue massage effortlessly. It comes with a five piece massage head attachment package including a 4-ball applicator, a 2-ball applicator, a pointed tip applicator, a soft sponge applicator and a curved flex shoulder head to meet most needs. As a bonus, the package also includes 25 medium and 25 large disposable applicator covers. This percussion massager is ergonomically designed to easily fit your one-handed or two-handed grip and won’t tangle in your hair. Although this device is intended for mixed use, it’s somewhat pricey for an at-home massager; but for professional, light work the investment may be worth it as it offers higher speeds at the top end of the range, a quality attachment package and impressive durability.

Specifications & Features:

• Size: 10″ H x 4″ W x 4″ D
• Weight: 4 lbs.
• 1/40 Horsepower Engine
• 1 year warranty
• 10’ Hospital grade cord

Pros:

• Very powerful yet compact enough to be portable
• Durably constructed
• Extremely useful in light-duty professional settings
• Reliable motor

Cons:

• Expensive
• Corded, bulky design
• Heavier than comparable models
• Carry case not included

The Theragun PRO™ G4 reigns supreme in state-of-the-art percussion massagers for professionals and at-home users alike. With 5 built in speeds ranging from 1750 to 2400 pulses per minute and a hefty 16 mm amplitude its undeniable power will certainly handle the needs of mostly everyone. Bluetooth connectivity allows ultimate programming control and tons of settings to alleviate pain and soreness. Ultimately portable, the Theragun PRO™ is lightweight, cordless and offers a rotating arm to adjust for those hard to reach places. It even comes with an extra battery, 6 interchangeable massage head attachments and a hard case. Although it’s one of the more expensive models on the market, this massage gun’s flexibility, package inclusions, quiet performance and professional-level power make it worth every penny.

Specifications & Features:

• Size: 10 in x 7.1 in x 3 in
• Weight: 2.9 lbs
• Two 216 v external lithium ion batteries
• 150 minute battery life per battery with 75 minute charge time
• 16 mm Amplitude
• 5 Built-in Speeds with app-controlled customizable speed range (any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute)
• Smart App Integration via Bluetooth, OLED Screen, Customizable Speed Range, 3 App-Guided Preset Routines Saved on Device
• Includes PRO Smart Percussive Therapy Device, Protective Carrying Case, 6 Attachments with Travel Pouch, 2 External Lithium Batteries, Charger

Pros:

• 2 External lithium batteries for a total of 300 minutes battery life
• Multi-directional arm and ergonomic design offers ease of reach and comfortable grip
• Included massage attachments for many uses
• Professional-level performance in a lightweight, portable device
• Quiet force technology

Cons:

• Cost-prohibitive for casual users

The Thumper® Mini Pro Massager was created for both professional and at-home use. At 3 pounds, the lightweight massager is easy to manage and the unit’s long handle simplifies self-massage in hard-to-reach places. The patented Thumper drive system provides excellent power with 3 adjustable speeds and little to no kickback to the user. While two anatomically designed massage heads work simultaneously to alleviate pain and tension in targeted areas, it’s important to note that they are not interchangeable. The Thumper Mini Pro Percussion Massager, however, offers a wider speed setting than some models, with a low-end speed of just 1200 pulses per minute, which is extremely useful on delicate body parts and for those who are more sensitive to deep tissue massage.

Specifications & Features:

• Size: 13″ L x 6″ W x 5.5″ H
• Weight: 3 lbs.
• FDA Class 1 approved
• Electrically approved UL, CSA, CE
• 2-year warranty

Pros:

• Incorporates Thumper’s heavy duty DC motor
• Ergonomic handle can be effective with one or two hand use
• 3 Variable speed settings
• FDA Class 1 approved
• 12 foot cord
• Effectively provides a deep percussion massage for most at-home users
• Price point

Cons:

• Corded power source limits portability
• Limited uses because of fixed massage heads
• Not fully effective during self-massage on hard to reach places
• Plastic housing lacks durability
• Many reviews discuss overheating at about the 30 minute mark and increased noise levels as the units age
• May not exert enough power for serious athletes and professional use

Despite it’s higher price tag, the Theragun PRO™ is our top pick. This percussion massager is not only powerful and durable but offers a profession-grade, customizable massage worthy of its price point. Not to mention the PRO™ comes standard with all the extras you can possibly need. In all, the ultra portable Theragun PRO™ G4 offers industry leading percussive performance in both professional and at-home settings.