Why These Things Actually Work
I was skeptical when massage guns started showing up everywhere. Seemed like another fitness gadget that would collect dust in a closet.
Then I tried my friend’s after a particularly brutal leg day. The next morning I wasn’t nearly as sore as expected. Bought one that week.
It’s not magic - it’s basically percussion therapy that gets blood flowing and breaks up muscle tension. Like having a massage therapist available whenever you need one, which for me is usually at 11pm after sitting at a desk all day.
What’s Worth Buying
Theragun PRO Plus
This is what physical therapists and professional athletes use. It’s the expensive option but it’s also noticeably better than everything else I’ve tried.
- 60 lbs of stall force (doesn’t stop when you push into tight muscles)
- OLED touchscreen with guided routines
- Bluetooth app that tells you exactly how to use it
- The arm rotates to reach your own back
The quietest massage gun I’ve used at full power, which matters if you live with other people. Goes genuinely deep into tissue - you feel it working on stuff you didn’t know was tight.
That rotating arm is genius for reaching spots on your back without contorting yourself. The app has pre-built routines for different situations (post-workout, pre-run, desk neck, etc.) which is helpful if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It’s expensive though. Like, really expensive. And probably overkill if you’re just casually working out a few times a week.
Hypervolt 2 Pro
Serious power in a well-designed package.
- QuietGlide technology keeps it fairly quiet
- 5 speeds up to 3200 percussions per minute
- Bluetooth for app features
- Pressure sensor shows how hard you’re pressing
This one goes harder than the Theragun if you want maximum intensity. The pressure sensor is useful - it shows a ring on the screen that helps you not overdo it on sensitive areas.
Build quality is solid. Feels premium.
Can be too intense for some people. Not everyone needs this much power. And it’s also on the expensive side.
Ekrin Athletics B37
This is what I actually recommend to most people who ask me about massage guns.
- 56 lbs stall force (nearly as good as Theragun)
- 8+ hour battery life (!!!)
- 5 speeds
- Lifetime warranty
The battery life is kind of absurd. I’ve gone weeks between charges. And that lifetime warranty suggests they stand behind it.
Performance is legitimately close to the premium options at maybe half the price. Not quite as polished or quiet, fewer app features. But does the core job really well.
Theragun Mini
I keep this one in my work bag.
- Fits in your palm
- 3 speeds
- 20 lbs stall force
- 150 minutes battery life
It’s travel-sized and TSA-friendly. Way more powerful than it looks. Great for targeting specific problem areas like forearms, neck, or shoulders.
Obviously not as strong as the full-size versions. Smaller battery. But it goes where you go, which means you’ll actually use it.
BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini
If you’re not sure you’ll actually use a massage gun and don’t want to spend much finding out.
- 5 different head attachments
- 5 speed levels
- USB-C charging
- Lightweight
Does the basics competently at a low price. Not as powerful or long-lasting as premium options, but good enough to see if percussion therapy works for you.
If you end up loving it, upgrade later. If it sits unused, you haven’t lost much.
Quick Comparison
| Massage Gun | Stall Force | Speed Range | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theragun PRO Plus | 60 lbs | 1750-2400 PPM | 150 min | [Check Price] |
| Hypervolt 2 Pro | 40 lbs | 1800-3200 PPM | 180 min | [Check Price] |
| Ekrin B37 | 56 lbs | 1400-3200 PPM | 480 min | [Check Price] |
| Theragun Mini | 20 lbs | 1750-2400 PPM | 150 min | [Check Price] |
| BOB AND BRAD Q2 | 25 lbs | 1800-3200 PPM | 120 min | [Check Price] |
Understanding the Specs
Stall Force (How Hard It Pushes)
- 20-30 lbs: Surface work, sensitive areas
- 35-45 lbs: General recovery, most users
- 50+ lbs: Deep tissue, large muscles, serious athletes
Percussion Speed
- 1500-2000 PPM: Warm-up, gentle work
- 2000-2500 PPM: Normal recovery
- 2500-3200 PPM: Deep tissue, working out knots
Amplitude (How Deep It Goes)
- 10-12mm: Standard depth
- 14-16mm: Deep penetration (Theragun’s thing)
How to Actually Use One
Before Working Out (30-60 seconds per area)
Light pressure, higher speed. Waking up the muscles. Don’t go crazy.
After Working Out (60-90 seconds per area)
Medium pressure, medium speed. This is when you’re trying to reduce next-day soreness.
Specific Areas
| Area | Approach | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Neck/Shoulders | Light and slow | 60 sec |
| Back | Medium pressure | 90 sec |
| Quads/Hamstrings | Can go deeper | 2 min |
| Calves | Medium pressure | 60 sec |
| Forearms | Keep it light | 30 sec |
Don’t Do This
Stay off bones and joints. Don’t use on acute injuries or inflammation. Let the gun do the work - don’t press super hard. And don’t sit on one spot for more than 2 minutes.
What I’d Buy
Ekrin B37 for most people. Best combination of power, battery, and price. The lifetime warranty is reassuring.
Theragun Mini for travel or keeping at your desk.
BOB AND BRAD Q2 if you’re trying this out for the first time.
Theragun PRO Plus if money isn’t a concern and you want the best available.
Prices change frequently so check current prices before buying!