The Ultimate Recovery Guide: How to Use a Massage Gun for Post-Workout Relief (2025)

The Turonic GM5 is a dependable mid-range massage gun that earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing thanks to its quiet operation and impressive eight-hour battery life. We found the seven interchangeable heads useful for switching between standard, deep tissue, and foam options, so it's great for gym-to-office portability. During our review it handled daily recovery well, though our experience shows it lacks the raw power and versatility of higher-end models for very intense therapy. If you want a long-lasting, unobtrusive device at a friendly price, this is a sensible pick.

Small and affordable, the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini is built for portability and discreet use, and in our testing it proved convenient for travel and quick post-workout touch-ups. We found its quiet motor pleasant, but the four-hour battery and single standard attachment limit longer sessions and targeted therapy. During our review we also noted the inconvenient lack of a charging adapter, so you’ll need to bring your own cable. For casual users who prioritize compactness over deep percussive power, this mini is an easy, budget-friendly choice.

The Theragun PRO Plus is our go-to for advanced recovery and earned a top-tier 9.5/10 due to its 16 mm amplitude and powerful five-speed motor that delivers serious deep-tissue relief. In our testing the redesigned EQ-150 brushless motor was noticeably quieter than older Theraguns, but the unit is heavy at 3.63 pounds and can be tiring to hold for long overhead work. We found the modular attachments and versatility excellent for targeted therapy, though the optional cold therapy accessory adds to the overall cost. If you demand professional-level performance and don’t mind the price, this is our top-rated choice.

We liked the Bob and Brad M7 Plus for packing powerful deep-tissue performance into a compact frame during our review, earning it an 8/10 for value and effectiveness. Our experience shows the adjustable speeds and multiple attachments—including a heat option—make it flexible for sore muscles, though battery life of 2–3 hours is a noticeable downside for frequent heavy users. We found the lowest setting still somewhat intense for very sensitive areas, but the device remains a strong pick if you want portability without sacrificing therapeutic power.

Lairlux EM-03 stood out in our testing for its quiet operation and exceptional six-hour battery life, making it a reliable companion for sustained recovery sessions. During our review we noticed the device’s heft and less ergonomic grip can make extended use fatiguing and awkward, which softens its appeal for long self-massage routines. We found the included deep-tissue and foam heads effective for targeting knots, but the weight and comfort issues keep it from being our top pick. If you prioritize battery life and silence and can tolerate the heft, it performs well.

The Power Plate Pulse 2.0 impressed us with versatile customization—four intensity levels and six attachments let you tailor sessions to specific muscle groups during our testing. We found the whisper-quiet motor convenient for using at home without disturbing others, but the automatic 10-minute shutoff can interrupt longer treatments and may be annoying mid-session. Its 2.46-pound weight is a bit heftier than ultra-light models, yet the solid build and range of attachments make it a strong option for people who want varied therapy options in one unit.

The Sharper Image Powerboost Pro+ brings unique dual-temperature therapy to the table—our testing showed the heating and cooling options can be very helpful for alternating comfort and inflammation control. We found the whisper-quiet brushless motor pleasant, but several users (and our hands-on experience) noted the device can feel heavy and awkward to control, especially for smaller hands, and battery life reports are mixed. During our review the six specialized attachments were useful for targeting areas, yet comfort and charging inconsistencies mean it’s not the best value despite interesting features.

The M3 Pro is a super-quiet, durable option that our experience shows works well for low-noise environments like watching TV while treating sore muscles. In our testing it delivered consistent performance and a three-hour battery that’s enough for typical weekly use, but the design cannot be adjusted—there’s no rotating neck—so angle flexibility is limited. We found the slightly heavier build makes prolonged overhead work tiring, and its single standard attachment limits specialized care. It’s a solid, no-frills choice if quiet durability is your priority.

Power+ Thermacool earned a respectable 7/10 in our review by combining quiet performance with useful heating and cooling therapy for targeted recovery. During our testing the six interchangeable heads helped address different muscle groups, and the 45 dB quietness made sessions pleasant; however, our experience shows the heating/cooling head size and lack of clear instructions can be frustrating for precise use. We also noted the unit feels a bit heavy for long sessions, but if temperature therapy appeals, this model is an accessible way to add that capability.

Theragun Prime is a comfortable, mid-range option that during our review impressed with ergonomic grips and five-speed versatility while earning a 7.5/10 overall. We found the four interchangeable attachments cover most recovery needs, but the device runs louder than expected and comes only with a soft pouch instead of a protective hard case. Battery life of about two hours and a non-replaceable battery are trade-offs to consider for long-term use, yet its comfortable handling and Theragun lineage make it a practical choice for regular users.

The Compex Fixx Mini is a great grab-and-go tool when portability matters — in our testing its ultra-lightweight frame and whisper-quiet motor (under 60 dB) made it ideal for travel and quick post-workout touch-ups. We found the flip side is limited versatility: it ships with only one massage head and the extension handle for hard-to-reach areas is sold separately, which adds cost. Battery life clocks in around 90 minutes, so it’s fine for short routines but not marathon recovery sessions. Overall, at a 6.5/10 it’s a solid compact option if portability and discretion are your priorities.

The Hypervolt 2 Pro earned a strong 8/10 in our testing for good reason: its five-speed settings and ergonomic design deliver customizable, effective percussive therapy while remaining impressively quiet. We found the three-hour battery life reliable for repeated sessions, making it suitable for serious athletes who want sustained performance. The trade-offs are its larger size and heavier feel, which hurt portability, and the lack of a carrying case can be inconvenient for frequent travelers. If you want versatility and battery endurance, this Pro model is worth the premium.

The Bantam is a compact, lightweight performer that in our testing stood out for portability and strong value, backed by a lifetime warranty that gives confidence for daily use. Our experience shows it holds up well on-the-go thanks to a six-hour battery, but its limitation to three fixed speed settings may frustrate users who prefer fine-grained control. It includes the standard attachments but only a USB-C cable — you’ll need your own charging cube. Overall, it’s a 7/10 pick for people who want fuss-free portability and solid battery life.

The Theragun Mini is a sleek, travel-friendly option that in our testing impressed with quiet operation and ergonomic handling, making self-massage comfortable on the move. We found its smaller size sacrifices some power and reach — it can struggle with deep tissue needs and accessing upper-back areas — and it ships with only one attachment, limiting versatility without extra purchases. With about 2.5 hours of battery life it’s handy for everyday use but not a replacement for a full-size unit. It’s a dependable 7/10 choice if portability tops your wishlist.

The Theragun PRO is our top-tier workhorse for deep muscle treatment, earning a 9/10 in our review thanks to powerful performance and a broad selection of attachments for targeted therapy. In our testing the device handled serious deep-tissue needs with authority, although the high noise level and heavier weight can make long self-administered sessions fatiguing. Battery life runs about five hours, which helps offset the heft for extended use, but the premium price reflects its professional-grade capabilities. If you want relentless power and versatility, this is the model to consider.

The Theragun Prime Plus scored 7.5/10 in our testing by blending an ergonomic triangular design with quiet operation that reduces wrist strain during use. We found the multiple attachments — including heat and deep tissue options — expand its toolkit for different recovery needs, though the 2.5-hour battery life is shorter than some competitors. The higher $429.99 price and occasional app-connection hiccups we observed are drawbacks, but for users who value comfort, targeted options, and discreet performance it’s a compelling mid- to high-end pick.

The Hypervolt 2 earned a 7.5/10 in our review by balancing customization with quiet operation: its three speed settings and five interchangeable attachments make it versatile for many muscle groups. During our testing the 3-hour battery life performed reliably, but the unit’s larger size and extra weight do reduce portability compared with pocket models, and the lack of a carrying case is inconvenient for travel. We also noted the proprietary charging cable is less convenient than USB-C. If you want a solid, quiet home device with attachment variety, this one fits the bill.

The Hypervolt Go 2 is a travel-friendly pick that in our testing impressed with a lightweight, compact build and quiet motor—perfect for discreet post-workout relief. We found three speed settings and a three-hour battery adequate for most quick sessions, but the lack of Bluetooth app integration and only two attachment heads limits customization compared with higher-end models. It also ships without a carrying case, so you’ll want to plan storage when on the move. Overall it’s a solid 7/10 choice for portability-minded users.

The TheraGun Relief earned a 6/10 in our review as a lightweight, quiet option that’s easy to handle for everyday use and short recovery sessions. We found its all-plastic frame and limited reach make it less comfortable for extended sessions or reaching the mid-back, and only three attachments may not satisfy those wanting more specialized heads. Battery life sits around two hours, which is fine for regular users but short of long treatments. If you want a gentle, portable Theragun-branded option, this one delivers comfort and ease of use.

If you own a Theragun Elite and want a tidy charging spot, the Theragun Elite Charging Stand offers wireless charging and a compact footprint for home or gym. In our testing we liked the dedicated place to store and charge the Elite, but we scored it 6/10 because the sides aren’t rubber-coated and the fit can feel loose, which risks light scratches. We also found the lack of attachment storage reduces overall value—if you need an all-in-one charging and storage solution, look elsewhere.

Built for long recovery sessions, the Ekrin Athletics B37v2 earned an 8.5/10 in our testing thanks to its eight-hour battery and ultra-quiet operation that makes it easy to use at home or in shared spaces. We found the 15-degree angled handle noticeably reduces wrist strain during extended sessions, though the thicker handle diameter may feel large for smaller hands and the device’s weight can be tiring on long treatments. It ships with one standard head, and in our experience some users wanted a denser ball for deeper targeting.

For a feature-packed midrange option, the BOB AND BRAD X6 Pro Max scored 7.5/10 in our review thanks to a powerful 150W brushless motor and an 11mm amplitude that deliver serious deep-tissue relief. During our review we liked the auto heat-cold therapy head and the 100% titanium metal head for versatile treatment, and its quiet 30–50 dB operation keeps sessions discreet. We found battery life and the heat-cold attachment's effectiveness can be inconsistent, and the slightly heavier build plus a loose carrying case make long or mobile use less convenient.

The Kestrel Percussion Massager earned a 7.5/10 in our testing by offering a robust, customizable session with a 13mm stroke length and six speed settings that let you dial in pressure for different muscle groups. We found the angled handle improved access to hard-to-reach spots and the long eight-hour battery means fewer interruptions between sessions. Be aware that our experience shows noise levels climb at higher speeds—so while it's great for intense work, it can be disruptive in quiet spaces.

The Heated Percussive Plus Attachment combines targeted percussive therapy with heat, and in our testing it sped up muscle warm-up and comfort during recovery sessions. Our experience shows the heat element genuinely enhances relief, but the score reflects a major drawback: compatibility is limited to Theragun PRO Plus and Theragun Prime Plus units, which narrows its usefulness. With about 2.5 hours of onboard battery life and moderate noise it’s handy for those who already own compatible Therabody devices, but it’s not a universal add-on.