Budget Massage Guns We Also Tested

We tested 50 budget massage guns, but only six impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some of these massage guns' features, they ultimately didn't meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks.

• Vybe’s Pro Muscle Massage Gun is budget-friendly, but we found that it’s too heavy, clunky, and large to use and maneuver comfortably. 
• Wahl’s Deep Tissue Massage Gun is the most budget-friendly massage gun we tested, but it’s relatively loud and heavy. Plus, it has to be plugged in while you use it, making it less convenient.  

What to Look for When Shopping for Budget Massage Guns

• Noise: It’s often true that the more powerful the massage gun, the louder it will be. A loud massage gun may bother you and those around you during sessions. When choosing a massage gun, it’s important to check the noise level, often measured in decibels. Quieter options usually hover around 32 decibels on the lowest speed setting. 
• Stall Force: Stall force is the amount of pressure you can apply with a massage gun before its motor stops, says physical therapist Monica Saliu, PT, DPT. The average massage gun often offers a stall force of 30 to 60 pounds. Mid- and high-tier options tend to have a higher stall force, while more budget-friendly options usually fall between 20 and 50 pounds. If you’re looking for a deeper, more powerful treatment, you may want to choose an option with a higher stall force.
• Maneuverability: A massage gun that is heavy or lacks an ergonomic handle may be uncomfortable to use. When purchasing a massage gun, look at its weight—it should ideally be less than 4 pounds for optimal comfort.
• Customization: Choose a massage gun with interchangeable attachments and adjustable speed settings to customize your experience. Depending on the sensitivity and size of the muscle group you’re working on, you’ll want to adjust your treatment accordingly. A lower speed setting is best for sore, small, and sensitive areas, while a higher level will help to relieve deep muscle tension and knots, says Saliu.
• Battery Life: Whether heading to the gym or taking a long trip, battery life is especially important if you plan to take your massage gun on the go. As you shop, check the manufacturer’s website—the battery life is often listed in the description or specifications. A good budget massage gun will have a battery life of two to six hours.
• Price: Massage guns generally cost between $50 and $600. Higher-priced options may have more power, greater customizability, and better durability. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a high-quality, budget-friendly massage gun that offers powerful relief. They just may not have as many features as their higher-priced counterparts.

How We Tested the Budget Massage Guns

To find the best budget massage guns, we spent months testing 50 options, using them before working out, after working out, and as needed. When testing massage guns, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Effectiveness: When evaluating effectiveness, we note how we feel after using the massage gun on various muscle groups and whether it successfully relieves tightness and soreness. We also pay attention to how using it impacts us pre- and post-workout. We prioritize budget massage guns that effectively alleviate tight and sore muscles, increase our range of motion pre-workout, and help prevent muscle fatigue and soreness post-workout.
• Comfort: When evaluating comfort, we ask ourselves if the massage gun feels lightweight and easy to hold. Do we experience any cramps while holding it? Are we able to comfortably hold it for extended periods? Does it provide a relaxing, feel-good, and quiet experience?
• Ease of Use: During testing, we note if the massage gun's settings and attachments are user-friendly and intuitive. Are the settings suitable for gentle to more intense massages? Do the attachments help access hard-to-reach spots?
• Stall Force: When examining stall force, we ask whether its pressure weakens during longer sessions or remains consistent. Is it powerful enough for deep tissue therapy? Does it feel painful?
• Portability: When evaluating portability, we note if the budget massage gun comes with a carrying case. Is there a place to store all of its attachments? Is it easy and convenient to take on the go? Does it feel lightweight and easy to carry?
• Value: To determine value, we don't check the massage gun's price until after we evaluate it in all other key categories. Is it priced fairly? Would we only buy it on sale? Would we recommend it to friends and family members? We prioritize budget massage guns 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 understand the key features to look for in high-quality options and how to use them properly and safely. Although we make our product selections independently, expert input helps inform our decisions.

• Monica Saliu, PT, DPT, physical therapist, co-founder, and clinical director at Tribeca Physical Therapy
• Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, board-certified orthopedic physical therapist, certified early intervention specialist, and owner and founder of Marko Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is stall force?

Stall force is the amount of pressure you can apply before the massage gun’s motor stalls, says Saliu. It typically ranges from 30 to 60 pounds. If you want a deeper, more intense treatment, you’ll want to opt for a massage gun with a high stall force. For more relaxed relief, a massage gun with a lower stall force will still provide a soothing release.

How much should I spend on a massage gun?

How much you spend on a massage gun is really up to personal preference. Massage guns can cost upwards of $600; however, there are plenty of budget-friendly, high-quality options that provide similar relief and cost a fraction of the price.

Is it worth getting a massage gun?

Whether you’re super active, sit at a desk all day, or fall somewhere in between, you can probably benefit from using a massage gun or another massage tool. These powerful devices deliver percussion and vibration to the soft tissue, making the fascia (thin, connective tissues that hold the body's structures in place) more pliable and hydrated, says Saliu. This can help alleviate pain, soreness, and tension, and improve range of motion and mobility.

Can you overuse a massage gun?

Yes, you can overuse a massage gun, says Saliu. If you press down too hard or focus on one area for too long, it can cause bruising or trauma to the tissue. At a maximum frequency of three times per day, you should begin by using the massage gun for 20 to 30 seconds in one area and work your way up to no more than two minutes on one muscle group, she says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she's dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing. For this article, Gabrielle looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.

Additional reporting contributed by Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP

Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, has worked at Verywell Fit since 2022 and is currently a writer for the brand. As a certified exercise physiologist and avid runner, she specializes in testing fitness and recovery gear, including walking sandals, ankle support shoes, massage guns, and more. She uses her fitness experience and expertise to recommend only the best products to Verywell Fit readers.