What to Look for When Shopping for Vibrating Foam Rollers

• Portability: If you plan on transporting your foam roller from one place to another, you’ll want to choose a portable option. It may make more sense for you to choose smaller foam rollers or rollerball designs that you can toss in your gym bag or suitcase before you hit the road. 
• Intensity: Typically, vibrating foam rollers offer several settings that allow you to adjust the speed of the vibration. It’s important to choose a vibrating foam roller that offers a setting that’s a good fit for your needs. If you’re not sure what level of intensity will make the most sense for you, it’s smart to choose a vibrating foam roller with several different setting options.
• Firmness: Foam rollers offer varying levels of firmness and give, and it’s important to find the option that will work well for your needs. While it’s normal to experience some discomfort while foam rolling, you shouldn’t feel pain. If you find it hard to get through your foam rolling routine due to pain, it’s a sign that your foam roller is too firm. On the other end, your foam roller must have enough rigidity to be effective. If you feel that you’re unable to work out knots in your muscles or alleviate soreness, your foam roller may be too soft. 

How We Selected and Tested the Vibrating Foam Rollers

To find the best vibrating foam rollers, we extensively researched and tested dozens of options from top, trusted brands, paying close attention to the product specifications and our expert recommendations. When testing options, we move through a series of foam roller exercises for our calves, hips, quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings for seven consecutive days after we work out. When testing vibrating foam rollers, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Effectiveness: When evaluating effectiveness, we note how we feel after using the foam roller for one day and how we feel after using it daily for a week. Are we able to target our sore muscles? Do we feel looser and more limber? Do we feel sore?
• Comfort: When evaluating comfort, we consider give, texture, and structure. Does the pressure feel okay? Does it feel like a deep-tissue massage? Is it painful to use? Is the texture comfortable on various parts of the body?
• Ease of Use: Is the setup process quick and easy? Are helpful instructions included? We believe in simplicity and love intuitive products that you can use right out of the box.
• Value: We don’t check the product's price until it has been evaluated in all other key criteria. Once we know the price, we ask ourselves if we would pay the full price for it and if we would recommend it to loved ones. We prioritize foam rollers whose quality exceeds their value.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us better understand which key features to look for when shopping for a high-quality vibrating foam roller, how to use one properly, and its benefits. Although we select products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Brandi Edwards, PTA, physical therapy assistant in private practice in Virginia
• Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy
• Jacob VanDenMeerendonk, PT, DPT, FRCms, board-certified physical therapist and certified mobility specialist
• Shea Stark, DC, CCSP, ICSC, EMT, board-certified chiropractor, functional movement specialist, and KT Sports Medical Advisory Board Member
• Brandon Gish, MD, board-certified pain management physician at Lexington Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a vibrating foam roller and a regular foam roller?

A vibrating foam roller’s vibration technology may have the ability to enhance blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and reduce pain more effectively and efficiently than traditional foam rollers. Some people find it easier to use a vibrating foam roller than a traditional foam roller on especially sore muscles, as the vibration may help reduce some of the intensity of the foam rolling process. 

Are vibrating foam rollers more effective?

Gish says that the vibration adds an intriguing element to the process of foam rolling, and if you are looking to prioritize recovery and flexibility post-workout, using a foam roller with vibration features could be a better choice than a traditional foam roller.

When should you use a vibrating foam roller?

VanDenMeerendonk says that a vibrating foam roller can be used before a workout to help relax tight muscles and improve circulation or after exercise if you experience excessive muscle tightness or sensitivity to traditional foam rolling. If recommended by a healthcare professional, it may also be helpful for rehabilitation purposes. 

Are vibrating foam rollers safe to use? 

Yes, vibrating foam rollers are typically safe when used correctly. However, Stark recommends consulting with your doctor before using one if you have certain conditions, such as fragile skin, bleeding disorders, or a pacemaker. VanDenMeerendonk adds that it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you have acute injuries, severe nerve pain, or circulatory conditions. If you think you may have a blood clot, fracture, or surgical incision, Gist recommends staying away from vibrating foam rollers.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., is a Verywell Fit writer and former personal trainer and group fitness instructor who has been writing about fitness, health, and wellness for more than a decade. She’s dedicated to providing you with honest, to-the-point product reviews you can trust. Amanda loves yoga, strength training workouts, HIIT training, and products that help dissipate post-workout soreness, including vibrating foam rollers. For this article, Amanda looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.