1. RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Massager for Muscles
2. OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager
3. HoMedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat
4. Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
5. Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Instead of paying through the nose to hire a professional therapist to relieve your muscle pains and reduce your backache, all you need is to find the best handheld massager to achieve those aims. Athletes, bodybuilders, and everyday people depend on this therapeutic device to get the most out of their workouts. The reason is that, aside from the benefits mentioned earlier, these devices have numerous other perks. No doubt, you need to keep your muscles active every other day, which explains why many people are turning to this handheld device to make that happen.
With that being said, we have to point out that there are many of them are readily available on the market, making it difficult to know the effective ones. Nevertheless, to ameliorate the pain points of selecting the best from the rest, we embarked on this extensive research. At the end of the day, we have been able to compile a list for you, meaning that you do not have to pore through any other guides before getting the best. To make a pick, you should just go through the product descriptions, pros, cons, and features!
What Is Handheld Massager?
Well, a handheld massager is a gun-like device that employs percussive (vibration) therapy to treat muscle soreness and other problems. An electric massage tool is capable of speeding up muscle recovery and reducing workout-induced pains. At this point, let us discuss the benefits of the electric massager. If you are fed up with paying too much for massage services at the spa, it is high time you got a massage gun.
Relaxing effects: When you include this device in your regular workout schedule, you will find out that it has some relaxing effects on your muscles. Aside from the calming effect it has on your muscle, the therapeutic tool lowers your stress level and calms your mind. Research has also shown that it enhances skin elasticity. With all these benefits, it is surely a must-have.
Body pain treatment: Do you often complain of body pain every now and then? If you do, it is time to try an electric massager because it is proven to be effective in treating such pains. When you apply it to your muscles, it improves local circulation and ensures that your sore muscles relax. As a direct result, you will experience some pain relief.
Sleep improvement: Sleep can improve your memory, make your heart work better, lower your blood pressure, and help you stay fit. Using handheld machines can improve your sleep in more ways than one. When your stress level is significantly reduced, you will enjoy better sleep. According to studies, the constant use of the therapeutic device can reduce your stress levels within 10 to 20 minutes of your massage sessions.
Exertion Soreness: When you start training for the first time or change your workout schedule, you may experience exertion soreness. Exertion soreness is muscle pain that is common among athletes, bodybuilders, and irregular exercisers. One of the easy ways of dealing with the condition is the application of electric massagers to stimulate the muscles. It even works better when you are used in conjunction with heat therapy.
Skin Improvement: In fact, you do not necessarily have to be a professional therapist to turn your lackluster skin to that glowing one that you have always wanted. All you need to do is to get yourself a good massage gun and include it in your daily routine. If you care so much about making your skin look radiant, you should opt for models that have head attachments and functions as skin scrapers. You should always be on the lookout for that feature.
How to Pick the Right Handheld Massager
Having come thus far, let us dissect some of the factors worth considering before buying the handheld machine.
Power Source
You have to determine the power source that works for you because you have to choose between rechargeable batteries or a direct power source. The rechargeable ones are by far the most popular and often have lithium batteries. The rechargeable models save you some energy and time because you can use them anywhere without the need for a power source. More importantly, you can easily remove and change its lithium batteries.
Corded vs Cordless
There are two major types of handheld massage devices on the market: corded and cordless. With the corded option, you have a steady supply of power that will allow you to enjoy your massage for a long time. The downside, however, is that you cannot have a mobile massage as the device has to be connected to a power source through its cord. On the other hand, you can go for the battery-operated option (or the cordless) with the downside that batteries do not always last very long.
Single vs Dual Motor Head
If you come across an efficient and heavy handheld device with a wide coverage area, then it is likely a dual motor model. Given its weight, you may not find it comfortable lifting it to massage your arms, neck, or upper back. In contrast, a single-headed model has curved wands and fits perfectly into the user’s palm. It is very easy to lift and maneuver, making it the best choice for those users who aren’t the strongest.
Versatility
When a handheld massaging device is portable, you get to enjoy a number of things, including portability, ease of use, and a lightweight build. That is not all — you have interchangeable heads, adjustable speed settings, and different kinds of attachments. Besides, makers have different customer-centric conditions that you must look out for. When you have versatile features in your device, you are sure to get the value for your money.
Brand
The brand is an important factor to consider because a reputable massaging device maker can make a machine that meets all your ideal qualities. Put simply, whenever you come across one from a known brand you know that your search is over. The good thing, nonetheless, is that we have rounded up the industry-leading ones in this review. Highly recommended brands include Renpho, Opove, Wahl, HoMedics, and LifePro, etc.
Number of Heads
Look at the number of interchangeable heads. Sure, you should go for a model that gives you up to 3 heads to get the best results. In addition to that, the heads will determine your ability to customize the handheld machine to get maximum relief. If you do not take the number of heads into consideration, you have to make do with whatever you purchase.
Design
The design of your massager will define its ease of use. For instance, some of them have ergonomic designs, making them very easy to use. Moreover, you should look at the handle closely to ensure that you do not have to grapple with a user-unfriendly grip. Put simply, its handle should sit comfortably in your palm.
Material Attachments
Rubber, plastic, and silicone attachments are other features you must never relegate to the background. When you use a plastic model, you will notice that it bounces around bony parts of the body, such as the shoulder and spine. The sharp painful sensation you get from this can make you feel very uncomfortable. So, we strongly recommend that you opt for those that have rubber and silicone attachments because they are very gentle.
Heating Options
If you need a therapeutic device that offers extra-luxury performance, then you should look out for those with heating options. The benefit is that these models are capable of penetrating the right muscle groups to provide soothing and relaxing sensations. Just so the massager does not overheat you, it comes with a thermostat. If you are a sports fan or get involved in loads of strenuous activities, you should go for those that have a heating feature.
Prices
Whether you are on a budget or not, there is always something for everyone. However, we must spell out that the bigger your budget, the better the features you will get. The good thing is that there are enough massagers to go round, making them must-haves for every home. The best bet is to find the middle ground between great quality and your budget.
Top 5 Best Handheld Massagers
1. Our Pick: RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Massager for Muscles
Features:
- Has a mix of white and gray colors
- It is a rechargeable device
- Made of high-quality ABS plastic
- It has a portable cordless design
- 5 massager heads and lasts up to 140 minutes
- High capacity built-in lithium battery capacity of 2600mAh
We believe that this is the best handheld back massager for several good reasons. Firstly, it comes with a 3600-rpm motor that ensures that it does a great job. With a 2600 mAh battery, you will not have to worry about charging it all the time. Given its plastic build, you can comfortably apply it to any part of your body. Simply put, you can use it on your shoulders, the soles of your feet, arms, lower back, or back, etc.
Pros
Pros
- It is used for speeding up muscle recovery
- Goes a long time between charges
- Designed for use at any time of the day
- It helps to increase blood circulation
- This device increases joint flexibility
- It is lightweight, sturdy, and portable
Cons
Cons
- It always ships with defective units
- Some of them stop working after a few weeks of us
While it has many heads, the 3-point head on this model stands out because it is rubber-coated, ensuring that you can enjoy a painless massage. There’s no doubt that it can help you to eliminate fatigue when you apply the 3-intensive head to your tight and stiff muscles. As for ease of use, this handheld device is very easy to use. Besides the on/off button, there are buttons that allow you to increase or reduce the massage intensity. Try it now!
Public Review Summary: This massager has different power settings and multiple heads for different areas. It is a pulse/vibrating lightweight massager and very easy to use. Also, it has a three-point fitting and storage for extra heads. On the other side, quite often this product can become defective and the battery won’t work properly.
2. Best Noiseless Massager: OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle Massager
Features:
- Has a combination of silver and black colors
- Designed to deliver 3200 percussions per minute
- Built-in brushless high-torque motor
- Working noise level is 35dB – 55dB
- It automatically goes off after every 10 minutes
- Remove the sticker so as not to cover the battery indicator
If your preferred massage gun is one that is noiseless, then this is the right device for you. The noise level is 35dB and 55dB, making it a low-noise device. Noteworthy is the fact that it comes with a carrying case that protects it well. The durable case is made of nylon and glass. This therapeutic device has a 3200 rpm motor. With respect to ease of use, this device does not lag behind others because it has an ergonomic self-myofascial release.
Pros
Pros
- Gives the sensation of professional muscle treatment
- Has 3-level settings for changing pressure and speed
- This is a noiseless percussive massager
- Each battery charge can last for nearly 3 hours
- Perfect for improving recovery and decreasing soreness
- It is lightweight and comes with a carrying case
Cons
Cons
- Becomes louder after a couple of uses
- Its battery is not durable
Still, it is very lightweight and portable. Consequently, all you need is to bag it in the case and take it anywhere. This review is incomplete without any emphasis on its relatively long-lasting battery. When it is fully charged, it can last for nearly 3 hours. More importantly, we have to point out that it shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of use as a safety measure. No doubt, this one is worth your hard-earned money!
Public Review Summary: It is very quiet and comfortable in usage, comes with a carrying case, and has multiple attachments. It gives a deep and relaxing massage so feels more like a physiotherapy massage. On the negative side, it has problems with reliability in some cases.
3. Best Easy to Use: HoMedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat
Features:
- Delivers 3100 pulses per minute
- Has 4 different speed settings
- It comes with interchangeable massage nodes
- Has a power button that controls the massage intensity
- Ships with one wall outlet adaptor
- Heat works well when the attachments are removed
If your number one priority for a therapeutic tool is its ease of use, then this handheld device has what you need and much more. It comes with 2 pivoting massage heads that deliver a powerful and relaxing experience. Adding some punch to its ease of use is the POWER button that allows you to choose from 4 different speed options to suit your massage intensity
Pros
Pros
- A lightweight and portable massager
- It is affordable and easy to maintain
- Has 2-year limited warranty
- There is a 30-day cash back guarantee policy
- Has an optional heating feature for good performanc
- Comes with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to grip
Cons
Cons
- The plastic build is not durable
- Its knobs do not move up and down in the way you might expect
Besides, the ergonomic handle is beautifully designed in a way that it allows the device to rest firmly in your palm. It delivers 3,100 pulses per minute. In short, this makes this therapeutic tool one of the best out there. Feel free to rely on this effective device to melt away your tension and eliminate leg cramps in no time. You can choose any of its 3 custom massage heads, which are gentle, firm, or heated. If you are on a budget, you have nothing to worry about because this massager is affordable.
Public Review Summary: This massager has a comfortable handle and you are able to grip it from 2 different angles because of the oval handle. Also, there are couple speed settings, it comes with 2 massaging heads and has a heating element. The main negative point about it is that the quality of the materials is poor.
4. Best for a Human-Like Sensation: Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
Features:
- Comes in a navy-blue color
- Has 4 finger-like nodes
- 4 specially designed unique attachment heads
- Has 9-foot cord for massage delivery
- Comes with flat disc for larger surface areas
- Built to deliver 3,350 pulses per minute
You can save the money you often spend at spas when you buy this efficient handheld device from Wahl. With the unique 4 finger-shaped nodes, you will get the sort of massage that feels like a human touch. No doubt, that’s the unique feature that this massager brings to the table. We must not fail to mention that it has a 9-foot power cable that gives a high level of flexibility during usage.
Pros
Pros
- Provides all-round and targeted muscle relief
- Disrupts pain signal and improves blood circulation
- It is very efficient and flexible to use
- Has variable power that allows you to adjust the intensity
- Its 4 finger-shaped nodes give a human-like sensation
- Affordable and easy-to-maintain massager
Cons
Cons
- It vibrates too much, which can be annoying
- Some users find it painful
You can use it to reduce your pain and fatigue, as you can easily adjust its intensity thanks to its variable power capability. It is sleek and designed with a long handle, allowing you to apply it to your back, neck, hands, and other parts of the body. In fact, this device is one of the most sought-after handheld massagers on the market because it is very effective. With this best-in-class massager, you will enjoy 3,350 pulses per minute. You can also use it to release your pressure points, promote circulation, and relieve chronic pains. All these perks make it a must-buy.
Public Review Summary: This massager has a pretty attractive design and has multiple attachments. Different speed settings make it more comfortable for different people. The handle is long and well-weighted so you can easily reach each part of your body. On the flip side, it isn’t a particularly long-lasting product and people are disappointed that it breaks easily.
5. Best for Energy Conservation: Sonic Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Features:
- It has a mix of white and gray colors
- Has 5 interchangeable heads
- Built-in 16.8v charging port
- Working noise level is 55dB – 75dB
- Its motor speed ranges from 1200- 2800 RPM
- Has front LED panel features
Not everyone can afford a personal fitness trainer. However, just anyone can afford to buy this therapeutic tool to keep his or her physique in shape. To make sure that the vibration level switch is handy, it is located at the index finger. But then, the feature that makes it stand out is the energy-saving capability. All you have to do is to recharge it. Afterward, it will last for 6 hours of runtime. This is possible because it has a durable lithium-ion battery.
Pros
Pros
- Targeted massage therapy for active recovery
- It works well as a workout warmup
- Its relatively high motor capacity delivers quick relief
- Capable of lasting up to 6 hours after recharge
- Buyers enjoy free access to an online video library
Cons
Cons
- Not very durable
What’s more, it is easy to use and maintain. In a similar vein, you will enjoy this massage gun if you are an athlete. In other words, both athletes and everyday people can use it. It is designed to give quick pain relief to targeted parts of the body. Undoubtedly, this handheld device comes with a heavy-duty construction, and you can always bank on it to give your muscles rapid recovery anytime. Having reviewed its fascinating features, it should be the best electric massager.
Public Review Summary: This is a quiet option with enough power and different speed settings. It’s light and has a great grip. It comes with 5 different massage tips and the tips are easy to switch out. No screwing in or unscrewing. Some customers admit that it is quite heavy to hold if you use it for a long time.
Best Handheld Massager FAQ
At this juncture, we will now answer some frequently asked questions about massage guns.
Do I need a heat function on my handheld massaging device?
Well, it depends on what you want and the benefits you wish to derive from your handheld device. The simple answer is that while a heat function has its benefits, it’s not essential. The device works the same way as a masseuse, who probably won’t have a heat function in his hands. By and large, if you need a personal back massager to get certain results, such as lower back pain relief, you should seek professional help.
How often should I use a therapeutic massager?
The best bet is to start slowly and then increase its use with time. You should only increase its usage when you have already used it for several weeks. Over time, you should start using it every day. As time goes on, you can use it several times a day.
Can a pregnant woman use this massager?
A cordless handheld massager is okay for pregnant women. However, we strongly advise that you read the instructions attached to the product before doing so. If you are in doubt, you should avoid it. In addition to reading the manual, you should consult your doctor before using an electric massager during the time of pregnancy.
How long should I use the massager for?
More often than not, the duration of each session varies from one product to another. Nevertheless, most of the products on the market always encourage users to apply the therapeutic device for about 30 minutes. To be on the safe side, you should read the manual for the product of your choice. The good thing, nonetheless, is that some of them have an “auto-off” feature that encourages you to limit its use.
Are the massagers better than therapists?
To be crystal clear, no massager can give you a massage comparable to that you get from a therapist. However, effective massagers are designed to replicate almost the same result. These machines cannot do better the therapist because therapists have spent years studying the body’s pressure points, muscle groups as well as the right techniques to use to relieve soreness, pain, and tension.
Conclusion
To conclude this guide, we must point out that therapeutic massagers are not only meant for professional athletics and bodybuilders. Everyday people can own and use them. Earlier, we dissected all the benefits of these handheld devices. Having explained everything you need to know before ordering one of these therapeutic tools, we firmly believe that you will find this well-researched guide extremely useful.
While manufacturers make concerted efforts to include all the ideal features in their products, they still have slight disparities in features, pros, and cons. More importantly, each of the products we reviewed for you has unique benefits that make them stand out.
After going through the products that made the list above, we concluded that the #1 is the first among the rest. Then, everyone is entitled to choices, and you are no exception. Besides, people’s therapeutic needs always vary. In other words, you may still find any one of the products better for you than another.
The most important thing, however, is that you should select from the list we have made for you because these are the best handheld massagers out there. Just by choosing one of them, we can assure you that you will get everything you typically need from your ideal therapeutic tool. It is high time you saved that money you always spend at the spa or pay a personal therapist. Place an order right now!