Massage Gun Buying Guide
A percussion massage gun can ease tight muscles and speed up recovery — but the spec that sells them (peak power) is rarely the one that matters. Here's what actually makes a good one, and how to use it well.
Amplitude and stall force beat headline 'power'
Two numbers tell you more than any wattage claim. Amplitude is how far the head travels — around 10–12 mm reaches deeper muscle than the shallow 6–8 mm of budget units. Stall force is how much pressure the motor takes before it stops; a higher figure means it keeps working when you lean in.
A quiet-but-shallow device feels nice and does little. Prioritise amplitude and stall force, and treat peak wattage as marketing.
Battery, weight and noise
Look for a couple of hours of real battery life and USB-C charging so you're not tied to a proprietary cable. Weight matters more than you'd think — anything much over a kilo gets tiring to hold on your own back and shoulders.
Noise is the difference between using it daily and leaving it in a drawer. Modern brushless motors are quiet enough to use while watching TV; older ones sound like a power tool.
How to use it safely
Glide it slowly over the muscle for 30–60 seconds per area — you're not trying to drill a hole. Keep it on muscle, never on bone, joints, the spine or the front of the neck.
It should feel like a firm massage, not pain. If an area is injured, swollen or bruised, leave it alone and see a professional.
Ready to shop with this in mind?
Shop wellness & recoveryFrequently asked questions
Are massage guns actually worth it?
For everyday muscle tightness and post-exercise recovery, yes — many people find them a convenient way to loosen up. They aren't a cure for injuries; treat them as a recovery tool, not a medical device.
How often should I use a massage gun?
Daily use is fine in short sessions of a minute or two per muscle group. More isn't better — over-doing one spot can leave it sore.
Where should you not use a massage gun?
Avoid bones, joints, the spine, the front and sides of the neck, and any injured, swollen or bruised area.