Gone are the days of blindly using a foam roller or a tennis ball to target sore muscles, as massage guns and recovery tech boom. Recovery tools can be really handy for us runners, but with plenty of different designs on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide where to spend your money.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve asked our expert testers to tell us their favourite models, and why. And if you’ve already got a massage gun but aren’t sure how to use it, don’t fret – here’s our handy guide.
Best massage guns:
Best recovery tech:
Massage gun buying guide
What are the benefits of using a massage gun?
A massage gun is an ideal tool to have to help boost your physical performance whilst reducing injury.
The fast-moving head delivers deep vibrations to your muscles to aid recovery and massage any tight knots and provides sweet relief to DOMS.
Additionally, it boosts blood circulation which sends oxygen and nutrients around the body quicker, reducing inflammation and overall pain.
How often should you use a massage gun?
You can you a massage gun as and when needed. You can use it once a day for general care and prevention, and as much as 3 times a day when your muscles are especially sore.
According to Pulseroll, you should only use the massage for a maximum of 2 minutes on any given muscle group.
What am I looking for in a massage gun?
First of all, size matters here! There are usually full-size massage guns and then mini versions. The full-size ones are usually bigger, so not so suited to taking with you on-the-go. They are also usually stronger, and may come with more different features or attachments. The mini versions are designed for travel or even just taking with you to the gym. They won’t be as strong, but you may find that a mini massage gun is enough for home use as well.
Then you need to think about features. Some do exactly what it says on the tin – massage. Others have hot and cool heads, or infrared technology. It’s entirely up to you what you’re looking for.
Finally – price. There is a whole range of different price points out there when it comes to massage guns. Generally, we’d say that you do get what you pay for – the more expensive ones usually offer the most. That being said, cheaper options can sometimes tick all our boxes without the need to spend more.
Best massage guns for runners
Best mini gun: Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini
Buy now on Amazon
Technical details:
- Weight: 0.43KG
- Dimensions: 14.5L x 8.6W x 4.6H centimetres
- Volume: under 40dB
- Charging time: 2 hours+, depending on charger speed
- Comes with 5 attachment heads, including heat-and-cold head
- 5 adjustable speeds
- RRP: £99.99
What our tester said
“This is the most brilliant bit of recovery kit I’ve tested in a long time. It’s such a neat little massage gun that you can easily take around with you and doesn’t feel too heavy, so you’ve got a decent range of movement and can reach all your sore spots. It feels like it’s been designed specifically to fit into my hand and it feels buttery soft, even when I’ve used it for a while on full power.
My absolute favourite feature has got to be the heat-and-cold head – you can adjust the temperature to give yourself a warm deep tissue massage or a cooling pummelling. It’s been a game changer for my DOMS already and, I can see myself using it on-stop during marathon training.”
Want to know more? Read Holly’s full Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini massage gun review
Best for features: RENPHO massage gun with heat and cold
Buy now on Amazon
Technical details:
- Weight: 0.76KG
- Dimension: 29L x 21.5W x 8.8H centimetres
- Charging time: 1.5+ hours, depending on charger speed
- Comes with 5 attachment heads, including hot-and-cold head
- 5 adjustable speeds
- Comes with app
- RRP: £99.99
What our tester said
“If you’re interested in a gun that does a bit of everything, this one is for you! It’s a really versatile bit of kit. It works so well as a massage gun, offering five different speed settings that allowed me to really ease out sore muscles. Then it’s also got a hot-and-cool head. I loved using the heat head (which also has different settings) to warm up my muscles pre-run. The cool head was perfect post-run or workout to soothe and help recovery. I was really impressed with just how quickly the head warmed up and down – it was almost instantaneous.
I also found it really easy to use thanks to its little screen, which said which level you were on and told me how much battery was left. You can even connect to the RENPHO health app and get guided videos on how to use the massage gun for different areas, which was really handy.”
Best for getting to hard-to-reach areas: Bob and Brad L7 Ultra
Buy now on Amazon
Technical details:
- Weight: 0.6KG
- Dimensions: 16.3L x 5.5W x 38.1H centimetres
- Volume: under 55dB
- Charging time: 2.5 hours+, depending on charger speed
- Comes with 5 attachment heads, including heat and red light therapy head
- 5 adjustable speeds
- RRP: £109.99
What our tester said
“One of the areas of my body that really needs some TLC is my back, but I can never get at it with a regular massage gun. At least, not without the help of a willing partner! The L7 Ultra is a game-changer.
You have the option of using it as a mini massage gun, but you can also add on a clever extension handle that helps you reach the whole of the back of your body. The gun comes with five separate heads, all designed for different areas and types of muscle – and all handily explained in the accompanying booklet.
In addition, one of heads uses infrared heat that not only has a lovely warming effect on sore muscles, but is also said to promote faster recovery deep in the muscle. I particularly loved this on my tight shoulders and lats, and it’s great for warming up and reviving muscles after a chilly run.
It’s quiet, lightweight and easy to store or take on-the-go in its cute little carry case. Need I say more?”
Want to know more? Read Kate’s full Bob and Brad L7 Ultra massage gun review
Best investment option: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
Buy now on Amazon
Technical details:
- Weight: 1.18KG
- Dimensions: 33L x 25.4W x 15.2H centimetres
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Comes with 5 attachment heads
- 5 adjustable speeds
- RRP: £309
What our tester said:
“I’ve been using a massager on my legs every day during a 70-day run streak, and the new HyperVolt 2 delivers massage far, far beyond the old gun I’ve been using for years. It has five heads, all of which are easy to push on/pull off and five speeds.
I’ve not been able to get above three on the dial, the power of this gun is that impressive, and I’m sticking with option 2 for my calves, the area that needs work the most. The vibration of the gun is strong, and it does feel a little heavy after you’ve been using it for a while, however, it’s easy enough to just switch hands and carry on. Hyperice is a very powerful machine, certainly the Rolls Royce of massagers.”
Best recovery tech for runners
Best back massager: Bob and Brad ThermoRed Red Light Belt Heating Pad and Massager
Buy now on Amazon
Technical details:
- 4-in-1 design integrating heat, infrared, vibration and red light
- 4 heat levels & 4 vibration modes
- Adjustable fit with extender for different back areas
- Cordless with USB-C charging
- RRP: £159.99
What our tester said:
“I feel like I know Bob and Brad personally these days! I have quite a few of their products, and use them all regularly as part of my run recovery routine. This is the latest one I’ve added to my collection and it’s great. It’s designed primarily for the lower back, although it can be worn in other positions to target different areas across the whole back. It can do everything from a relaxing massage to help tired muscles, to full-on infrared heat therapy for more intense soreness.
It’s easy to use – you just strap it on and go. It has an extender belt so it can be worn in different areas, and will suit different body types and shapes. It’s rechargeable, so you can pop it on while you’re doing other things without tripping over cables. This makes it much easier to incorporate into busy days and means I use it a lot. It also automatically shuts off after 15 minutes, which is one less thing to think about!
I carry a lot of tension in my lower back during exercise (which I know is due my glutes being lazy!). The heat is great, and really makes a noticeable difference when I am feeling extra stiff post-run. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a must-have in my recovery kit (their massage guns tick that box!) but it’s a lovely addition, especially if you get sore a lower back too.”
Best recovery boots: UREVO Wireless Recovery Boots
Buy now at UREVO
Technical details:
- Battery life: 4 hours
- 32+ compression modes
- Size: 5’3″ – 6’11”
- Weight: 3.4kg
- Can be used simultaneously as a pair, or bought as individual boots
- RRP: £799
What our tester said:
“These recovery boots offer a premium recovery experience without the price tag of some of the more established brands. Designed to aid recovery after hard training sessions and races, the boots use dynamic air compression to massage the legs and encourage circulation.
One of the things I like most is how simple they are to use straight out of the box. They arrived with enough charge for a 30-minute session, providing some instant post-delivery gratification. The battery packs clip on easily and, after just a couple of button presses, you’re ready to go.
The wireless design means you’re not tethered to a power source. I’m genuinely surprised by how much pressure the boots can generate even on my relatively small legs. It’s great that on the lower settings they can still deliver a substantial massage, while staying pretty quiet.
My legs feel noticeably fresher and less heavy following a 20 to 30-minute session with these, and they’ve quickly become part of my routine. While you can just press a button and go, they also pair with an AI-powered app so that you can customise your experience and target specific muscles. And they come in a handy bag for travel.”
