lcd touch screen massage gun manufacturers factory

Welcome to this Aerlang massage gun review. Aerlang is a fitness brand that sells on Amazon. For now, it seems massage guns are their biggest business even though they sell other fitness equipment like sit-up bars and workout benches.

The device has a basic, universal design (T-shape). It’s not something that will turn heads, at least not for us, since we have seen some great designs from other brands – Theragun Elite etc. However, we believe they designed it to be simple enough.

There is the speed indicator, the numbers to the left of the screen (0 to 20), and the battery indicator, the numbers to the right of the screen(0 to 99). There are + and – signs to toggle between speeds.

Another thing we noticed, is that it has an LED ring like the one we saw with Hypervolt. A similar concept of the ring (around the bottom of the handle) lighting up when the device is switched on. We have seen many massage gun brands copy Hypervolt, perhaps Aerlang went all in with this one.

The Aerlang device comes with 6 attachments. We have to give it to them, not many affordable massage guns are this equipped. Even Theragun is somewhat economical with the number of attachments for their entry-level Prime – it has 4 attachments.

Fork / Spine head: Used to massage the area along the spine and the neck area. It can also be used to massage the Achilles area. You can also use it around the shoulder blades.

The attachments feel solid enough. They are made of hard plastic, unlike what we saw with Theragun attachments that were too soft when they should’ve been hard. There are 2 ball attachments included; one is smaller which they say can be used to massage the joints, and the large one that is used on large muscle groups. 6 attachments are enough to massage the whole body.

The Aerlang percussion massager is a full-sized gun but looks compact. It’s not like the Urikar AT1 that we recently got a hold of and told you about. It’s not as bulky as the latest Hypervolt Plus even though it has a similar configuration.

For ergonomics, the fact that Aerlang chose the T-shape means you will have to endure wrist fatigue during long massages. We have always preferred a bit of innovation here. Ekrin gave us something new with their angled handle design.

However, for a budget massage gun like this, we guess it’s a small price to pay. We also noticed that the handle may be a bit too large for guys with small hands.

Also known as stroke length, this is the distance traveled by the massage gun head during the percussions. It’s an important aspect of any massage gun and determines what kind of massage therapy you are getting. A long enough amplitude means you can expect percussive therapy from a device. If it’s too short, then the best you can expect is vibrational therapy.

The Aerlang massage gun has a 16mm amplitude. This came as a surprise to us but then we immediately had flashbacks of when we tested and reviewed Legiral Le3. Where the amplitude was long but the power was disappointing. Is it a case of Legiral Le3 déjà vu? Well, we’ll see that in just a second.

For now, it’s important to note that with a 16mm amplitude, as advertised by the manufacturer, this device can give a good massage since the hits are hard enough – you don’t have to push it against the body initially. There’s a one small issue though as the device doesn’t really feel like 16mm. We had it only for a brief time, and we might buy one again soon to measure the amplitude precisely once again.

This is the amount of pressure it takes to stall the motor of a device. A strong motor can withstand a lot of pressure. Sometimes in order to dig deep into the muscle tissue a bit of pressing is needed. A device that easily stalls when pressure is applied will not be able to properly massage large muscle groups like the quads and hamstring.

Aerlang claims that their gun can withstand 35lbs. of pressure, but we don’t believe that is entirely true. Having compared it to other guns, we don’t believe it has that much power.

Even if we were to give them the benefit of the doubt, 35lbs. is still entry-level at best. Something similar to what Theragun Prime and Hypervolt Bluetooth have. What that means is that when pushed against the skin, this gun will easily stall.

However, we still believe this gun is good enough for most people, especially those who don’t want an aggressive massage. If you just want to treat your shoulder muscles or hands and feet, this massage gun will do just fine.

This device has a 1200-3200 percussion range. Very impressive, not just because it can rev as high as Hypervolt or Ekrin B37, but also because it can start very slow. This allows for a relaxing or soothing massage.

It has 20 speed gears to cycle through. Now that may sound impressive if you have never handled a massage gun, but for anyone who has had one, 20 speeds are way too many. Even though the range is wide, we believe 6 or 7 speed gears are enough – or maybe 8 at most.

This device has a 1-year warranty. Obviously as low as it can be, but we shouldn’t really expect a lot from such a low-priced percussion massager. We are actually grateful there is warranty information.

Most brands that sell similar massagers don’t include it. If you want a lifetime warranty, check out Ekrin and Lifepro devices. They will also offer you great customer service but you’ll pay more.

Under $40 is crazy low if we’re being honest. That is a tiny fraction of what a premium device would cost. This is a budget device that is really well equipped and can be a reasonable choice as an introductory gun.

Don’t expect top quality if you decide to buy it. It’s not very attractive and has very low power. It may be an option for those who want a starter massage gun but have a limited budget, but it’s too weak for bodybuilders and serious athletes.

There remains a huge question mark on its longevity but you can buy 2 and it would still be cheaper than some of the best guns under $100 that we’ve covered.

The Aerlang muscle massage gun is a pocket-friendly device that doesn’t turn heads but has enough for a novice massage gun user to enjoy. It has a high amplitude to massage tender and small muscle groups. However, it lacks the power to offer a deep tissue massage. It’s very well equipped for its cost as well.

?LCD Touch Muscle Recovery Massage Gun?Upgraded version of high-definition LCD screen, touch buttons, accurate display frequency, power and switch. Nano silicone non-slip handle, anti-sweat, non-slip, for comfortable use. Relieve muscle pains by breaking down knots and increase blood flow to your muscles. End fatigue by releasing and ridding your body of lactic acid and other toxins. Deliver, replenish oxygen and nutrients in your muscles for a quicker recovery

?6pcs head and 6 Speed Adjustable Massage Speed?6pcs Massage head to Target All Muscles & 6 Variable Speeds. Bullet adapter to target a specific muscle; Fork adapter to indirectly target and work around a muscle; Ball adapter to target large muscles; Flat adapter to target dense muscles.Adjust the intensity of your massage according to your preference of frequency and torque with 6 variable speeds:1300/2100/2900/3700/4500/5300r/min

Relieve aches and pains with deep tissue percussion massage. The powerful Torq Mini Massage Gun featuring 32 speed smart LCD touch screen gets the job done when you need it!

DEEP TISSUE & MUSCLE MASSAGER: The mini gun comes with 4 massage heads to target every part of the body. It helps relax muscle tension, relieve stiffness & soreness caused due to workouts, running or just due to sitting for too long.

32 ADJUSTABLE SPEED LEVELS:The Torq mini massage gun can be adjusted to 32 varying speed modes which makes it highly effective in getting the right force & speed to deal with muscle tension and soreness in different parts of the body.

FULL BODY MASSAGER:Use it to target the problem areas like back, neck, shoulders, calf, buttocks, plantar fasciitis with the right attachment including hard to reach muscles.

SMART POWER SAVING:The massage gun is fitted with 2000 mAh rechargeable large capacity lithium battery & supports dynamic amplitude adjustment which reduces the waste of power.

ADVANCED LOW NOISE OPERATION:With noise level as low as 20dB-30dB, it features advanced supressed sound system which will not disturb others when using it & much lower than other massage gun.

LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: This ultra-light mini massage gun only weighs 460g. The mini size makes it convenient to carry when you"re out & about without taking too much space.

Product Size:14.6x4.6x14cmProduct Net weight: 460gUnloaded speed:1200-3200/minLevels:32 Speed LCD DisplayCharging: Type-CBattery Life: About 2 HoursCapacity:2000 mAh (High-energy lithium battery)Voltage power:7.4vMaterial: ABS

Speck is a leading massage gun manufacturer integrating professional design, development, production, domestic trade and international trade. We are committed to the production of bulk massage guns. In line with the service tenet of “customer first”, we provide professional designs according to customer requirements. We have a strong team of engineers, and we focus on managing every process of production. Our online distribution is closely combined with modern production equipment, and our main market is the European and American markets. Professional independent development capabilities and rigorous QC inspection system make us a leader in the massage gun manufacturing industry. We offer handheld massage gun, portable massage machine, deep muscle massage machine and other muscle massage machine products.

When you buy an item using one of our links, we may earn a portion of the sale. Massage Gun Fight and some products featured on the site are owned by the same company. Learn more.

A malfunctioning massage gun can be frustrating when you’re experiencing muscle pain. Your favorite massage gun can be working fine one moment, and unresponsive the next. This leaves you frustrated and wondering why is my massage gun not turning on?

Massage guns help relax sore muscles and increase range of motion by stimulating theGTOthrough percussive therapy, a muscular structure that obstructs contraction. These devices override the feeling of pain in sore muscles and increase blood flow – all without having to see a physical therapist or massage therapist.

Each brand’s massage guns come with different power settings. Therefore, it’s imperative that you switch on the massage gun properly. Some devices call for pressing the power button down for some time. If done correctly, you’ll usually notice some lights turned on.

Most branded massage guns have LED indicators for battery power. Is your massage gun not turning on even though it has some power in it? There might be a battery issue.

Make sure not to turn on the massage gun while it’s charging. However, this shouldn’t be a concern since most massage guns come equipped with a safety feature that doesn’t allow the device to turn on when on charge.

Using any device for prolonged periods will most likely overheat it, let alone a massage gun. Keep in mind that the heating will be quicker in hot environments.

The manufacturer’s manual usually contains the time limit for safely using the massage gun without overheating it. This time varies from model to model and may range from 30 to 60 minutes.

Sometimes, a massage gun will switch off automatically due to overheating. In such situations, you won’t be able to turn it on instantly. Leave it for half an hour, and then try turning it on again. Usually, it turns back on when it has cooled to a safe temperature.

There are several other reasons in addition to the above for a massage gun not turning on, which we list in the next section. We recommend you seek professional support from the manufacturer in these situations.

If your massage gun has malfunctioned within its warranty period, reach out to the manufacturer or seller immediately. They’ll then arrange for its repair or replacement free of cost. Note that the warranty also covers defects in artistry or materials.

A massage gun may occasionally run into several glitches. These include fast battery draining, rattling noises, defective parts, random shutting off, motor seizing, etc.

There are chances, though rare, that even expensive models may have some difficulties, and this can be especially true for the electric ones. Regardless, a good massage gun comes withmany benefitsthat certainly outweigh the potential issues you may face while using it.

It’s crucial that you know the ins and outs of the device you’re so frequently going to use. Here are the importantthings to look out for in your massage gun: The battery life of massage guns varies from model to model. Branded products generally have a battery life of up to six hours. However, continuously using a massage gun will drastically bring down its battery life.

We hope you now have the answer to the question,why is my massage gun not turning on?In case you find the problem too difficult to resolve yourself, reach out to the manufacturers or local experts. A professional hand should be able to detect the glitch and fix the device in no time at all.

When you buy an item using one of our links, we may earn a portion of the sale. Massage Gun Fight and some products featured on the site are owned by the same company. Learn more.

On one hand, maybe that’s a good thing. On the other hand, it’d be pretty frustrating to find that the massage gun you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on suddenly stopped working, especially when you’re in the midst of your wellness journey.

Of course, there’s always the product manual that comes with the massage gun. However, in a world of search engines and results at our fingertips, are you more likely to pull out the info guide or whip out your phone?

While there are numerous videos on Youtube that will take you through it step by step, if your gun is still under warranty, you will have just voided it. Not only that, but you might not have the “fix-it” gene.

It’s worth saying that though most massage guns come with a 1-year warranty, they should last much longer than that. They are expensive pieces of equipment.

A lot of problems that arise with massage guns are related to care. Make sure you’re following best practices for both the gun itself and the battery.

Your percussion massager is a pretty fancy piece of machinery. Its powerful motor allows you to change the percussions per minute so that you can have a more relaxing massage or a deep tissue massage.

Stall force refers to the amount of pressure you can put on the gun before it will stall out. Many have a stall force of between 35lbs and 60lbs. When you reach this amount of pressure, your gun will stall.

Many massage guns come with a rechargeable battery made from lithium-ion and have long lifespans — their battery life is about 300 to 500 charges. Many makers of massage guns also sell replacement batteries, so if you’ve reached the max, you can continue to use your gun.

If your battery is too low, your massage gun will not operate. Your massage gun may have a battery level indicator, and it’s helpful to keep an eye on this as you’re using it.

For example, the Hyperice Hypervolt massage gun has a light ring called the Light Halo on its handle and an LED light panel on the back that both tell you where your battery level is at.

If you haven’t sufficiently charged the battery, it’s not a matter of how to reset your massage gun so much as it needs to have enough juice to power your gun. So, get it back on the charger.

Whether it’s the lithium-ion battery, which has a propensity for overheating, or the fact that you’ve been putting the motor to real work, massage guns can and do overheat. To address this safety issue, most have a built-in safety mechanism that will shut the gun off automatically.

If your massage gun overheats and switches itself off, you won’t be able to turn it back on right away. You may be wondering how to reset massage guns when this happens. It’s easy — it just needs some time to cool down. Give it at least 30 minutes.

In regards to a safe length of time for using a massage gun, 30 minutes to an hour is actually a really long time, so you should spend some time learning about how to use a massage gun safely and effectively.

While there is one massage gun that is waterproof, most are not. Like with most electronics, even battery-powered ones, you risk doing some serious damage to the gun by using it in the water — or worse, charging it around water.

If you just bought the massage gun and you’ve charged the battery for the recommended four hours on the assigned charger, have tried turning it on (and made sure you got the switch and the button) and still nothing? You might have gotten a dud, and you’ll need to return to the vendor or production company.

Whether you’re a professional athlete or an average joe, having your message gun quit on you is a frustrating experience. Though there isn’t a whole lot of info out there that will help users to figure out how to reset massage guns, the info above should provide some clarity so you can get back to enjoying your percussive therapy device.

Pulseroll"s massage gun is Amazon"s Choice, and with good reason. Athletes (hello, Anthony Joshua) and physios are known for using massage guns from the brand, and this one boasts four speed settings and head attachments, as well as a built-in rechargeable battery (which takes just three hours to reach full charge, FYI). It also comes with a handy carry case with a strap, and is rated 4.7 stars out of 5. Got lower back pain? When one customer asked if it would help, the brand explained: "The Pulseroll gun gives self-myofascial release, which basically means it relaxes contracts muscles and improves circulation, easing irritated areas." In other words, yes, it could help massively.

A massage gun is a handheld device that delivers percussive massage: quick, repeated strikes to the body patterned after a Swedish massage technique called tapotement (video). You’ll notice three terms typically mentioned within massage gun specs:

Amplitude: This term refers to how far the shaft of the device moves in and out in order to make contact with your body. The greater the amplitude—measured in millimeters—the deeper the massage, theoretically.

Most massage guns come with a variety of interchangeable attachments that allow you to target particular muscles or deliver a particular kind of massage. For instance, smaller, narrower attachments work well on areas like feet, hands, and calves; rounder, wider shapes work well on larger muscle groups such as quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Nearly all massage guns are relatively noisy and, depending on your level of sensitivity, fairly intense.

They work by quickly and repeatedly punching the body, triggering blood vessels to dilate. This action assists in hydrating muscle tissue with blood and can help release knots, explained Ericka Clinton, dean of the massage therapy program at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences and a New York State–licensed massage therapist. “I’ve really seen amazing results with the percussion tools,” she said. “The percussion gets you that rush of blood and separation of congestion in the muscle fibers very quickly.”

Massage guns promise to speed athletic recovery, increase circulation, decrease muscle pain and soreness, reduce inflammation, and increase mobility. Scientifically, however, the validity of those claimed benefits is a bit murky.

Evidence shows that manual massage (using the hands only) helps decrease pain and improve function, at least in the short term. Other research has found that vibration therapy can have a positive effect on the nervous system and help prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness. But vibration therapy—a shaking or trembling sensation that can come from equipment like vibrating foam rollers—differs from the percussive massage that massage guns offer.

When it comes to the benefits of massage guns specifically, there isn’t a lot of hard data. Only a few small studies have been done, such as one exploring the effects of percussive massage on athletic performance (Theragun provided the equipment for that study) and another discovering that five minutes of pummeling calf muscles increased range of motion (the study used a Hyperice Hypervolt). “The benefits that come from [these tools] are going to be small at best,” said Christie Aschwanden, science journalist and author of Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery.

What we do know is that a massage gun cannot flush lactic acid from your muscles (that’s not how muscle soreness works). It can’t eradicate cellulite. It can increase circulation—but so can taking a walk (as Aschwanden pointed out). It can also help work out a tight spot in your shoulder at the end of a workday, contribute to an energizing pre-workout warm-up, or soothe your legs as part of a post-run recovery. Therapeutically, using one can feel great—and that might be one of the most important factors. “The very most basic level of recovery is just rest and rejuvenation, and anything that facilitates that is good,” said Aschwanden.Who should use a massage gun?

Nearly anyone can use a massage gun. One might appeal to you if you feel the effects of hunching over a phone or computer regularly or any other work-related aches and pains; if you face chronic tight spots, sore muscles, or other soft-tissue complaints; or if you simply love the sensation of a massage, a massage chair, or other massage-oriented gadgets.

Massage guns have grown especially popular among athletes (and weekend warriors) of all levels. Hyperice (maker of the Hypervolt) and Therabody (maker of the Theragun), arguably two of the most visible names, place their massage guns in the hands of pro sports teams, elite athletes, and other high-level performers. The Hyperice Hypervolt appeared under every player’s seat in the NBA bubble in 2020. Distance runner Mo Farah, pro basketball player Breanna Stewart, and dancer/actor Julianne Hough are among Therabody’s ambassadors.

In professional settings, massage guns can enhance what a massage therapist, physical therapist, or athletic trainer can offer—with less wear and tear on the practitioner’s hands, wrists, and elbows. “It gets you a lot in a very short span of time,” said Ericka Clinton of the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences.

If you’d like to try a massage gun but are unsure if it’s a good option for you, talk to your doctor or a medical professional. Certain scenarios could preclude their use, including bleeding, nerve, or skin disorders, as well as pregnancy (particularly high-risk pregnancies), a recent surgery, nervous-system disorders like epilepsy or MS, or cancer.

There have been two published case studies of people who have developed severe medical conditions after using massage guns. A 27-year-old with no known underlying conditions who reported using a massage gun on her neck developed vertebral artery dissection—a tear of the inner lining of a vessel that supplies blood to the brain. And a 25-year-old with untreated mild iron deficiency anemia developed rhabdomyolysis—a rare, potentially life-threatening condition in which broken-down muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the blood—after cycling and having her thighs treated with a massage gun. While the authors of both case studies note that causality is difficult to pin down, they advocate for additional research on massage gun safety.Powerful, with a multi-grip handle: Therabody Theragun Prime

Best for: Those willing to pay top dollar for a powerful, well-designed massage gun with an upscale feel. Anyone who appreciates some guidance should like it, too: The device is Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to pair it with your phone and follow guided programs via the companion app.

Why we like it: The compact Theragun Prime from Therabody has a triangular handle, allowing for multiple grip options meant to ease ergonomic strain. We found it nice to occasionally switch our grip, and doing so provided added leverage when we wanted to apply more pressure. The Theragun Prime has five speeds (from 1,750 ppm to 2,400 ppm) and a 16 mm amplitude—the highest of all our picks.

LED lights on the display show both the speed and the battery level. The control button is conveniently located on the handle and accessible with a thumb. We like the ability to cycle up and down through all five speeds, a feature that none of our other picks have. The Theragun Prime comes with four attachments—standard ball plus cone, dampener, and thumb—made of smooth, closed-cell foam, which resists moisture absorption and can be wiped clean easily. They fit securely and provide a bit of give, unlike plastic. (If you want a more advanced version of the Prime, the more expensive Theragun Elite has one more attachment and an OLED display.)

Because the Theragun Prime is Bluetooth enabled, you can pair it with a phone and control its speed through the Therabody app, which allows you to make granular adjustments between the preprogrammed speeds on the device. (The Theragun Prime is the only one of our picks to have this feature.) We had no problems connecting. The app itself offers a bunch of guided programs for body parts, beginners, warm-ups, recoveries, and more. We tried several and concluded that they’re helpful if you’d like some instructional direction or want to tailor your usage to a specific activity or muscle group. As you get oriented with the device, though, you might find yourself losing interest in the app.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Theragun Prime sounds like a small power tool when it turns on and remains relatively noisy; we had a hard time simultaneously watching TV and tending to our hamstrings. It also does not come with a carrying case but does have a dust bag.

Best for: Those who want a massage gun with an ergonomic bent, an exceptionally long battery life (eight hours), and a notably strong warranty (lifetime). It’s also a good choice for anyone looking for a solid massage gun at a decent price.

Why we like it: With a slightly angled handle and a decent dose of power, the Ekrin Athletics B37 delivers on both comfort and force, for substantially less than the Theragun Prime. Its grippy handle—angled at about 15 degrees—made reaching for our upper back or calves a little easier. It features five speeds (from 1,400 ppm to 3,200 ppm) and a 12 mm amplitude. Its 56-pound stall force is the highest of our picks.

The B37 turns off automatically after 10 minutes of use, a measure that a customer service rep told us protects the motor from burnout in case the B37 is accidentally left running unattended. (You can start it back up immediately.) Considering the kinetic nature of massage guns, that scenario seems unlikely. But to check the integrity of the motor, we ran the device unattended for 15 minutes straight at various speeds and noticed just a slight bit of warmth.

The B37 promises eight hours of battery life, the longest of our picks. We didn’t need to charge it once during our three-plus weeks of testing. Its lifetime warranty—the strongest by far of our picks—covers defects in materials or workmanship, including the battery, attachments, and motor. The massage gun comes with a sturdy enough carrying case.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The power button, which also adjusts the speed, sits on top of the Ekrin B37; as a result, it isn’t quite as convenient as a button located within a thumb’s reach. The massage gun is comfortable to hold, though we thought it felt a tad top-heavy. It is quiet at its slowest speed, but we had trouble hearing a TV show while using it on its highest setting.

The Mebak 3, one of the quietest massage guns we tried, comes with seven attachments (the most of our picks) and has a touchscreen display. It delivers less of a punch, though.

Best for: People who want a quieter massage gun and are willing to trade some intensity for that quality, as well as those who want a wide range of attachments.

Why we like it: We enjoyed using the quiet Mebak 3, which has a touchscreen display. Despite its five speeds (640 ppm to 3,200 ppm) and 12 mm amplitude, the Mebak 3 felt less powerful than comparably labeled models, but that wasn’t necessarily a drawback. It’s a solid choice for someone seeking a lower-key massage gun for semi-regular use. (The Hypervolt 2, in comparison, has a lower maximum speed and the same amplitude as the Mebak 3 but delivers a stronger massage overall.)

The Mebak 3 has a main on/off switch at the base of its handle, which is rubberized and has widely spaced vertical ribs. You adjust the speed via the touchscreen display, which requires a lighter touch than physical buttons. It responded nicely for us. You cannot cycle both up and down through the five speeds (in contrast to the Theragun Prime’s interface, which allows for that); instead, each touch of the screen’s fingerprint icon advances the speed up. A pressure sensor uses green, yellow, and red lights to indicate increasing amounts of pressure being applied during use, but they’re tough to see when you’re using the device on yourself. (The Mebak 3’s specs do not list a stall force.) A number representing a percentage on the screen shows the battery level. As a safety precaution, the Mebak 3 shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of use; you can restart it immediately. To determine if continuous use would stress the motor at all, we ran the massage gun unattended for 15 minutes straight at various speeds, and we experienced no overheating.

The Mebak 3 comes with seven attachments: five made of smooth, matte-textured plastic (bullet, bump, flat, fork, shovel), one made of light foam (round), and one made of a soft rubbery material (cushion). This is the most we came across. The selection includes two shapes that we don’t always see: shovel (a blade-like silhouette that can work the length of a muscle) and cushion (which provides a softer, more muted massage). The Mebak 3 is quiet, too, as we were able to hear a TV show while we massaged, even at the tool’s highest speed.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: During our first few uses, we noticed lubricant leaking out of the attachment point (we experienced this with only one other device, the cheapest model in our test pool). We wiped the substance away, it dissipated completely soon after, and it wasn’t a problem again. The massage gun also comes with a slightly flimsy carrying case.

Why we like it: The Opove M3 Pro Max is bigger and bulkier than our other picks and gives off a radar-gun vibe. But if you want a strong massage and aren’t as concerned about design polish, it might fit the bill. The M3 Pro Max has four speeds ranging from 2,000 ppm to 3,300 ppm (the highest top speed of our picks). Its 15 mm amplitude is the second highest of our picks (and only one millimeter less than that of the Theragun Prime), and its 55-pound stall force was one of the highest among the models in our test pool. Overall, the no-nonsense M3 Pro Max felt powerful and gave us a deep, satisfying massage.

The M3 Pro Max has an on/off switch at the base of its handle. The manual setting allows you to move freely through its speeds, though you can’t cycle up and down through them; you can progress to the maximum speed and then back to off. The device also has an “auto” setting, which repeatedly cycles up and down through seven different speeds in quick succession. This setting added some variety and was at its best while we were holding the massage gun on a specific tight spot.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We noticed that the button for the manual setting occasionally bypassed the maximum speed and reverted to a stop, effectively skipping the level we wanted. We’ll continue to monitor this issue in our ongoing testing. Like the Ekrin, Mebak, and HoMedics models, this Opove massage gun has an automatic shutoff (after 15 minutes); you can restart it right away. To see if continuous use would heat the device up, we ran it unattended for 15 minutes straight at various speeds. It felt a bit warm by the end and smelled faintly of a hard-working motor, but it didn’t have any problems.

Best for: Those who’d like to try a massage gun without spending hundreds of dollars—as well as anyone who would prefer a simpler, less-intense option.

Why we like it: Light and comfortable to hold, the HoMedics Therapist Select Percussion Massager offers three speeds, the fewest of our picks, topping out at 3,000 ppm. Its 7 mm amplitude is the lowest of our picks, too. In our tests, its overall effect was slightly more vibratory in comparison with that of our other picks, and overall it delivered a less-powerful massage than other devices we tried. But the experience was pleasant, and this massage gun does the job for significantly less than the Theragun Prime.

A thumb-oriented power button controls the speed adjustment, and three LED lights indicate the speed. (The device has no battery-life indicator.) The button is a bit stiff and makes an audible click when pressed. The handle—one of the slimmest among the models in our test group—is rounded at the bottom, a design that we found comfortable to grip. This massage gun’s specs do not list a stall force, but the device does have a pressure sensor (represented by a display of five LED lights). We noticed that when we applied increasing pressure, the motor surged a bit.

The package includes four attachments: three made of plastic (flat, fork, trigger-point) and one made of lighter foam (round). The attachments fit securely. This massage gun is solidly built and relatively quiet—we could hear a TV show while massaging. Like the Ekrin, Mebak, and Opove models, this HoMedics massage gun has an automatic shutoff (after 15 minutes of use) and can be turned back on right away. We ran the device unattended until the auto shutoff kicked in, and we felt no indications of overheating.

The HoMedics Therapist Select Percussion Massager promises a battery life of two and a half hours; one charge lasted through our three-week testing period. It has a two-year warranty and comes with a carrying case.

I’m a certified personal trainer (NASM) and previously covered fitness at Wirecutter. I’ve used foam rollers regularly for years and tested many for our guide to foam rollers. I’m a fan of other self-myofascial release (SMR) tools like lacrosse balls, and I wrote an article in 2019 about how some people found that a car buffer gave nearly as satisfying a massage as the then-$600 Theragun. As an avid runner, I recently treated hamstring tendonitis and a particularly gnarly knot on my left upper trapezius. I’ve also had my share of physical therapy over the years.

To get a better sense of how massage guns affect the body, I spoke with Christopher Hicks, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine; Ericka Clinton, dean of the massage therapy program at the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences and a New York State–licensed massage therapist; Jason Hooper, DPT, a licensed physical therapist and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist at UC San Diego Health; and Christie Aschwanden, science journalist and author of Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery. For some background on one major brand, I chatted with Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice.How we picked and tested

There is no shortage of massage guns in the world. To get the lay of the land, we read reviews and roundups from the likes of BestReviews, Gear Patrol, Massage Gun Advice, Outside, and Runner’s World. We took note of models that we saw repeatedly and that garnered generally positive owner reviews, ultimately choosing 17 massage guns to test. (We also interviewed colleagues who use a massage gun regularly.) Then we worked our way through the testing group over the course of about three weeks—after workouts, before runs, in pursuit of knot relief—focusing on the following criteria:

Overall massage experience: We noted the three main specs often associated with massage guns—amplitude, percussions per minute (ppm), and stall force—and assessed how they combined to produce a satisfying massage. We occasionally encountered models that promised a high-intensity massage but delivered a relatively low-key punch. (This could be the result of a less-powerful or lower-quality motor, or simply the product of a higher speed paired with a lower amplitude, which creates more of a vibrating sensation.) We preferred a variety of discernable speeds. We also ran each device for 15 minutes straight at various speeds to check for overheating.

Weight and feel: We weighed each massage gun ourselves. Most of the models in our test group weighed about 2 pounds; how the weight was distributed on the device often made more of an impression than the number on the scale. We noted how each one felt in our hand, including how the length, diameter, shape, and material of the handle contributed to ergonomic comfort.

Attachments: We looked for a variety of attachments, which helps you access a diversity of muscles more easily and comfortably. Smaller, narrower attachments work well on areas like feet, hands, and calves. Rounder, wider shapes work well on larger muscle groups such as quads, glutes, and hamstrings. We also noted the attachments’ material (plastic, closed-cell foam, lighter foam) and stability (a few attachments popped out mid-massage).

Noise: We switched between listening to a podcast (without headphones) and watching a TV show while using the devices and noted if we had a hard time hearing. Many massage guns list a decibel level as a spec, but it’s tricky to know what that means without experiencing the noise for yourself. (We also used an audio-spectrum analyzer app, but mostly we went by ear.) If a massage gun is annoyingly loud, you probably won’t bother with it for long. “Rehabbing should be convenient if it is going to be reproducible and consistent,” said Jason Hooper, DPT, of UC San Diego Health.

Battery: Depending on how often you use a massage gun, its battery can last for weeks on one charge. We paid attention to the overall promised battery life, noting whether a massage gun seemed to lose its charge earlier than promised. We also looked for a relatively obvious battery-level indicator on the device itself.

Portability: You might want to tote a massage gun to the gym, from room to room in your home, or on a trip. A carrying case can help with that, as well as with storage when you aren’t using the tool.

Connectivity: A few of the massage guns we tried (those from Addaday, Hyperice, and Therabody) have Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the devices to communicate with a companion app on a phone or tablet. Once you’ve connected the two, the app can do things like control the massage gun’s speed and track the pressure applied during a specific guided program on the app. Although we tested to see how easy and effective the respective apps were to use, we viewed this feature as an extra, not a necessity.

Warranty: We’ve stumbled across more than a few “worked fine until it didn’t” sentiments within customer reviews of massage guns—batteries stop charging, motors peter out, attachments refuse to hold. Most of the models we tried have a one-year warranty (though one of our picks is covered for a lifetime).How should you use a massage gun?

Massage guns are fairly intuitive to use. Begin by choosing an attachment that will complement the muscle group you’re treating. All of our picks come with a basic owner manual that at least recommends which attachments to use on which areas of the body. (This video gives a beginner-geared overview.) Next, turn the massage gun on before it makes contact with your body, and choose a speed (the general recommendation is to start at the lowest setting and work up). Float the attachment over the area you’re targeting and adjust the pressure as you go. To warm up for a workout or activity, concentrate on a specific area for about 30 seconds. For post-activity recovery, relaxation, or targeted attention on a tight spot, spend one to two minutes per area, holding the massage gun gently but steadily on knots or tender areas as tolerated.

Experts agree: Don’t overdo it. “Keep it lighter and shorter and see how your body responds both immediately after and the next day,” said Jason Hooper, DPT. The process should not be painful. Avoid using a massage gun on bony areas, directly over joints or tendons, or on an open wound or acute injury. If you find massage in general to be uncomfortable, or if you bruise easily, a massage gun might not be for you; a foam roller is another option, though using one can also come with a degree of discomfort. How often you use a massage gun—a few times a day, once a day, once in a blue moon—depends on your specific goals, needs, and tolerance. (Overdoing it can result in bruising.) A friend can help you reach hard-to-access areas, but they won’t be able to gauge the pressure applied as well as you can.

In general, don’t force it, said Christopher Hicks, MD, sports medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine. For example, if you want to ease shoulder tightness but have limited shoulder range of motion, contorting yourself for a massage gun might not be a good idea.What about the Hyperice Hypervolt 2?

Along with Therabody (maker of one of our picks, the Theragun Prime), Hyperice is arguably one of the most recognizable names in massage guns. Hyperice introduced its Hypervolt massage gun in 2018. The company, which launched in 2011, is focused on recovery: Its ancillary brands include Normatec (compression) and Venom (heat therapy). Tennis star Naomi Osaka is an ambassador, and Hyperice is the “official recovery technology partner” of the NBA.

The Hypervolt 2, the newest version (the original Hypervolt is discontinued), costs about the same as the Theragun Prime. It’s a good massage gun, but it lacks a few features that the Theragun Prime has. After testing both, we recommend that you spend your money on the Theragun Prime.

Compared with the Theragun Prime, the Hypervolt 2 has a lower amplitude (12 mm versus 16 mm) and fewer speeds (three versus five), though it does have a slightly higher maximum speed (2,700 ppm versus 2,400 ppm). The Hypervolt 2 has a traditional shape—unlike the triangular shape of the Theragun Prime, which allows for a few different ways to hold the device—and is slimmer and more petite. It has a comfortable oval handle with a nice grippy surface and the second-narrowest diameter among our picks. (People with smaller hands might appreciate the size.) But overall, due to the shape and orientation of its handle, it doesn’t offer quite the flexibility that the Theragun Prime does.

You can’t cycle up and down through the speeds as you can with the Theragun Prime, which isn’t a complete dealbreaker but at this price is a nice feature to have. A light at the bottom of the Hypervolt 2’s handle broadcasts the battery life in green, yellow, or red, which is a nice touch (the Theragun Prime relies on LED lights). The Hypervolt 2 comes with five attachments (one more than the Theragun Prime): four made of plastic (ball, bullet, flat, fork) and one made of a soft rubbery material (cushion). Though they are comfortable and versatile, we found the closed-cell foam attachments of the Theragun Prime to be slightly more so. A small pouch is included to store them in. The Hypervolt 2 is Bluetooth enabled and connects to the straightforward Hyperice app, which, like the Theragun app, allows you to follow along with guided programs tailored to a specific sport, activity, or body part. Also like the Theragun Prime, the Hypervolt 2 proved to be rather loud in our tests.Other good massage guns

If you want a gentler massage and the option of using a handle with a longer-than-average reach: The Lyric Therapeutic Massager might appeal to you. Less a massage gun and more a handheld massager, it purports to use vibration frequencies packaged into various combinations of rhythms geared toward relaxation, energy, and calm. The Lyric has a sleek look (it is available in five colors) and weighs 1 pound (about half the weight of most of the massage guns we tested, and noticeably lighter). It comes with a handle extender, which in our tests proved helpful for reaching hard-to-access areas like the upper back and (from certain positions) the lower extremities. Its four interchangeable attachments are soft, and its massage style focuses more on the aforementioned rhythms and less on intensity. The Lyric requires a Wi-Fi connection, which allows it to update its built-in features and supplemental content (videos, for instance). It has a dock-style charging station.What to look forward to

We plan to test the second-generation Theragun Mini, Therabody’s smallest massage gun, which has a 12 mm amplitude and operates at three speeds (1750, 2100, 2400 PPMs). We’ll also test the sub-$100 Sharper Image Power Percussion Deep Tissue Massager, which is heavier than our picks but highly reviewed by customers. We’ll update this review with our findings.The competition

We liked aspects of using the Addaday BioZoom Edge. It offers two ways to adjust its speeds (two buttons on the inside of the handle near where your thumb rests and a touchscreen on top) and allows you to cycle up and down through the speeds. But we didn’t like the attachments: Though cheerful (one is a round, yellow smiley face), they felt cheap and a little silly, and we had a few issues with specific ones popping out during use.

The Aduro Percussion Massage Gun is the cheapest of the massage guns we tried, and in our tests it showed. The body felt plasticky. The four, hard-plastic attachments felt cheap—the flat version had a small though sharp irregularity—and its overall iffy quality knocked it out of contention.

The Compex Fixx 2.0 Massager has a multi-grip handle reminiscent of the Theragun Prime’s. Weighing about 3 pounds (the heaviest of the bunch), it felt unbalanced to us. Instead of buttons, it has an adjustment dial, which we had a hard time controlling. It has a decent warranty (two years), and the neck can move into three different positions. But overall it felt plasticky, and our struggles with the adjustment dial threw us off.

We nearly made the Flyby F1 Pro one of our picks—its price (typically under $100) is right, and it delivered a solid massage in our tests despite having a lower-quality feel than our recommendations. But though its attachments stayed secure during use, our unit rattled, a result of the attachment connection point shifting ever so slightly from side to side within the device.

The Renpho Massage Gun was one of the cheapest models we tried, and it felt that way. This massage gun has a curved neck that can adjust into five different positions, but we found it hard to move—we had to either use two hands or brace the device against the body and adjust from there. A couple of times, its large foam ball attachment began to pop out at the machine’s highest speed.

We didn’t mind using the Sportneer Elite D9 Percussive Massage Gun—its handle was comfortable to grip, and it delivered a satisfying massage. Its price ($130 at this writing) is right, too, but its attachments felt cheap to us.

The Theragun Elite is a souped-up, more expensive version of the Theragun Prime (one of our picks). Compared with the Prime, it has five attachments instead of four, a higher stall force (40 pounds versus 30 pounds), and an OLED display (instead of LED lights). Those upgrades might be valuable to some people, but we found the overall experience of the Elite and the Prime to be similar, and we concluded that most people would be satisfied with the Prime.

The TimTam All-New Power Massager (currently unavailable) was so loud and so intense, it felt like something out of a horror movie. The massage gun comes with just one attachment (a hard ball), and it has the lowest continuous battery life (40 minutes) among our test group. It no doubt has its fans, but one of our notes sums it up: “This thing is nuts.”

The Vybe Premium Muscle Massage Gun is nearly identical to the Ekrin B37 (one of our picks) save for a few key features: It has a lower stall force (30 pounds versus 56 pounds), a shorter amplitude (10 mm versus 12 mm), and a less-generous warranty (90 days versus lifetime). Still, it was comfortable to use.