The best massage guns
For tight calves after a run, a stiff back after a day at a desk, and anyone who’s been hinting about a sports massage.
A massage gun hammers away at a tight muscle much faster than your thumbs can, and a few minutes on the calves or shoulders goes a long way. They’ve become one of the go-to presents for runners, gym-goers and anyone who spends all day at a desk.
Bigger isn’t always better. The mini guns are quieter and lighter, which means they actually get used; full-size ones suit someone who wants to work on their back at home.
What matters
- Mini guns are easier to hold and to take to the gym.
- More speeds matter less than a comfortable handle.
- Check how it charges: USB-C is handiest.
- Soft or round heads for beginners; pointed ones for knots.
Best overall
#1 of 5
9.3/10
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun
£££ Over £40
Bob and Brad are the Minnesota physical therapists who became YouTube favourites, and their mini gun is the one to give: phone-sized, quiet, and strong enough for calves and quads.
- Phone-sized, 0.43kg
- 5 speeds, 5 heads
- USB-C charging
- Under 40dB
- Travel case
What owners say: Owners are surprised by how much power there is in something so small. It’s easy to hold, the battery lasts, and it’s a favourite after a run.
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A closer look: It’s small enough for a kit bag or hand luggage, so it tends to get used after every run or gym session rather than living in a cupboard. It switches itself off after 10 minutes, and a USB-C charger you already own does the charging (there’s no plug in the box). Very bony or sensitive spots are better left to the softer heads.
Best for: Runners, gym-goers and travel
- Speeds
- 5
- Heads
- 5
- Weight
- 0.43kg
- Battery
- 2500mAh, USB-C
- Heated head
- –
- Carry case
- Yes
Best full-size
#2 of 5
9.1/10
Wattne W2 Deep Tissue Massage Gun
£££ Over £40
A proper full-size gun with 20 speeds and 10 heads, for someone who wants to work on a stiff back and shoulders as well as legs.
- 20 speeds, auto mode
- 10 heads
- 2600mAh battery
- 30–50dB brushless motor
- Carry case
What owners say: Owners say it takes the tension out of necks, shoulders and lower backs straight away, and find it easier than a foam roller. They think it’s well built and worth the money.
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A closer look: The auto mode takes the speed choice out of your hands, which is handy for someone new to massage guns who doesn’t know where to start. At 0.94kg it’s heavier than a mini, so it suits home use more than a gym bag. The screen flashes while charging, so it’s obvious when it’s done.
Best for: Stiff backs and shoulders at home
- Speeds
- 20
- Heads
- 10
- Weight
- 0.94kg
- Battery
- 2600mAh, 3–8 hrs
- Heated head
- –
- Carry case
- Yes
Best value
#3 of 5
9.0/10
Zerolia Massage Gun with LCD Touch Screen
££ £15–£40
Thirty speeds, ten heads and a touch screen for the price of a takeaway for two. A lot of gun for a small budget.
- 30 speeds
- 10 heads
- LCD touch screen
- Up to 6 hours per charge
- Under 35dB
What owners say: Owners find it good for tight necks, backs and waists. They like the range of speeds and heads, the battery life and the value for money.
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A closer look: Ten heads is more than most people need, so it’s worth starting with the round ball and the flat head and saving the pointed ones for knots. The screen shows both the speed and the battery level, so there’s no guessing. A good first massage gun for someone who wants to try one without spending much.
Best for: A first massage gun on a budget
- Speeds
- 30
- Heads
- 10
- Weight
- –
- Battery
- 2500mAh, up to 6 hrs
- Heated head
- –
- Carry case
- –
Best premium
#4 of 5
8.8/10
Therabody Theragun Relief Massage Gun
£££ Over £40
The simplest Theragun: one button, three speeds and a triangle handle that makes it easy to reach your own back.
- One-button control
- 3 speeds
- 3 attachments
- Triangle handle
- Whisper-quiet
What owners say: Owners find it works well on aching muscles and sore shoulders and is ready to use straight out of the box. They think it’s worth the price.
Heads up: Only three speeds, and a few owners find the battery fades within a year.
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A closer look: The triangle handle is the clever bit: it can be held in different positions, which makes more of your own back reachable without help. The Dampener attachment is the one to use on tender spots. It suits someone who wants a well-known name and no fiddling with settings.
Best for: Simple, no-fuss relief
- Speeds
- 3
- Heads
- 3
- Weight
- –
- Battery
- –
- Heated head
- –
- Carry case
- –
Best with heat
#5 of 5
8.7/10
AERLANG Massage Gun with Heat
££ £15–£40
A heated head with three warmth settings, so it eases a sore spot rather than just pummelling it.
- 3 heat levels
- 20 speeds
- 6 heads
- USB-C charging
- Carry case
What owners say: Owners say it gives quick relief after a workout or a long day at work, with plenty of power, and think it’s good value.
Heads up: Charge it fully (about 8 hours) before first use; a few owners find the heat or battery gives up early.
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A closer look: The heat is warm rather than hot and switches on at the lowest level when you start, so press again to step it up. It turns itself off after 10 minutes, which is about right for one area. Worth a first full charge before wrapping it.
Best for: Achy shoulders on cold evenings
- Speeds
- 20
- Heads
- 6
- Weight
- 0.9kg
- Battery
- USB-C
- Heated head
- 3 levels
- Carry case
- Yes
How they compare
| Feature | #1Bob and Brad Q2 MiniBest overall | #2Wattne W2Best full-size | #3ZeroliaBest value | #4Theragun ReliefBest premium | #5AERLANG with heatBest with heat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picked Rating | 9.3 | 9.1 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Price | £££ Over £40 | £££ Over £40 | ££ £15–£40 | £££ Over £40 | ££ £15–£40 |
| Speeds | 5 | 20 | 30 | 3 | 20 |
| Heads | 5 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 6 |
| Weight | 0.43kg | 0.94kg | – | – | 0.9kg |
| Battery | 2500mAh, USB-C | 2600mAh, 3–8 hrs | 2500mAh, up to 6 hrs | – | USB-C |
| Heated head | – | – | – | – | 3 levels |
| Carry case | Yes | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| Best for | Runners, gym-goers and travel | Stiff backs and shoulders at home | A first massage gun on a budget | Simple, no-fuss relief | Achy shoulders on cold evenings |
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