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Best Massagers for When You’d Rather Not Pay Spa Prices (2025)
The Best Massagers for People Who Don’t Have Time to Relax
Don’t cancel physical therapy just yet, but these portable, at-home massagers might be the hack you need after stressful days.
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The best massagers shouldn’t feel like a luxury reserved for special occasions. Getting some tension out of your shoulders should be as accessible as your morning coffee. After all, between work, workouts, and the existential crisis that is life, who isn’t carrying muscle tension somewhere? I’ve dedicated countless hours to trying (almost) every type of massage tool. Testing these contraptions might sound like the dream gig, but it’s not all bliss. Some felt like having a personal therapist at my disposal; others like they were designed to tenderize meat. A few even led me to question the very choices that brought me to this moment.
The good news? I’ve rounded up the best massagers for all bodies and budgets. These options, like our favorite Hyperice Hypervolt 2 ($229), deliver on their promises to soothe, stimulate, and shiatsu. For more health and fitness recommendations, read our guides to the Best Theraguns and Therabody Tools, Best Posture Correctors, and the Best Yoga Mats.
Updated August 2025: We’ve added the Therabody WaveRoller and updated specs, prices, and information on featured products.
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Best Massage Gun
Massage guns provide percussion therapy that enhances blood circulation, improves short-term range of motion, and alleviates soreness after workouts or tiring days. I recommend the Hypervolt 2 to everyone who isn’t an athlete; it’s the best overall. If you are an athlete, it’s worth investing in the Theragun Pro Plus ($620). However, the Hypervolt 2 is much more affordable, weighs just 1.8 pounds, and offers ample power thanks to its brushless 60-watt motor. It features three speed settings and five massage heads (flat, bullet, fork, ball, and cushion) to address different muscle groups, from your glutes and hamstrings to your shoulders and triceps. It can connect to the Hyperice app via Bluetooth for guided routines, provides up to three hours of battery life, and is TSA-approved for carry-on.
The Theragun Mini ($200) is my favorite mini massage gun. For more Theraguns and percussive massage devices, check out our guides to the Best Therabody Tools and Best Massage Guns.
Specs Weight 1.8 pounds Battery Life ~3 hours Accessories 5 head attachments (fork, ball, cushion, flat, bullet) Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year WIRED
- Pressure sensor technology shows how much pressure is being applied
- Connects via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app
- Five head attachments
- TSA-friendly for carry-on
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- Only 3 speeds of percussion
- Too large to travel with
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Best Foam Roller
The Therabody WaveRoller combines deep-tissue pressure with five customizable vibration settings to loosen tight muscles. It’s great for full-body relief, but I find it works best on my glutes, hamstrings, and calves. The textured wave pattern increases surface contact and traction, preventing the roller from skidding during glides. It also adds an extra layer of pressure, stimulates blood flow, and, frankly, just feels good while rolling.
Like most of the brand’s devices, the WaveRoller is compatible with the Therabody app. It’s made of high-density, hypoallergenic foam that muffles the sound for a quiet roll despite the vibrations. It’s bulkier than a standard foam roller, but at 12 inches long and 5.1 inches wide, it’s also smaller than the former.
Specs Weight 3.3 pounds Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year WIRED
- Made of hypoallergenic EVA high-density foam
- Five vibration intensity settings
- Connects via Bluetooth to the Therabody app
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- Not contoured for the neck or spine like the WaveDuo
- Smaller than standard foam rollers
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Best Eye Massager
Eye massagers are well-liked for improving blood circulation around the eyes and reducing fatigue caused by long work hours. Therabody’s second-generation SmartGoggles provide an ideal solution for weary eyes and headaches. According to the company’s study, participants averaged 4 percent more sleep when using them before bedtime, 10 percent reported better sleep, and overall, users noted improved sleep quality. Additionally, 82 percent of users felt less stressed, and 71 percent reported lower anxiety levels.
These goggles are a step up from the original model and maintain the same three settings: Focus, Sleep, and SmartRelax. The heating feature also encourages tear production, offering relief for dry eyes. Compatible with the Therabody app, users can select specific sessions while enjoying calming ambient soundscapes. I often find myself dozing off during a 20-minute session. Though I don’t often suffer from migraines, they would make for an effective blackout sanctuary in a quiet, dark space.
Specs Weight 0.86 pounds Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year WIRED
- Connects via Bluetooth to the Therabody app for sound therapies
- Offers compression, vibration, and heat therapy
- 100 percent blackout with contoured padding
- Designed with a curved, adjustable strap
- TSA-friendly for carry-on
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- Noisy vibrations may be disruptive to sleep
- Sound therapy options are very limited
- Too heavy and uncomfortable to use during sleep
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Best Budget Massager
Bob and Brad’s EZBack Massager is a back massager but also a neck massager, a shoulder massager, and even a lower-body massager with a little bit of imagination. It has four kneading nodes with bidirectional movement that mimics a shiatsu massage, three intensity settings, and a heat therapy option that feels nice but probably doesn’t do much for your sore muscles. It straps to your office chair for a more ergonomic massage experience, uses a remote control, and is designed with a 15-minute auto shut-off to prevent overheating. You can also omit the straps if you’d like to use them while lounging on the couch, but you’ll need to sit near a plug, unfortunately. A cordless version is available, but I have not tested it.
Specs Weight 3.3 pounds Battery Life N/A (corded) Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 2 years WIRED
- Wireless remote with one-button control
- Offers full-body relief with a little imagination
- Delivers deep-kneading, bidirectional massage
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- Corded
- Heat therapy may be too subtle
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Best for Calves
Normatec Go is a portable version of Hyperice’s air compression system. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a dedicated runner, the Normatec Go effectively reduces inflammation and blood lactate levels without requiring a full suit. It is ideal for athletes, individuals experiencing poor circulation, and those suffering from chronic pain. These calf-specific sleeves eliminate hoses and control hubs, offering a mobile solution you can wear while cooking or standing at your desk. Each wrap provides 360-degree dynamic air compression to your calves, utilizing Hyperice’s zone-based pulsing to enhance blood flow. With three overlapping compression zones and seven intensity levels, the Go also connects via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app.
The Normatec Elite ($1,099) are Hyperice’s premium full-length compression boots; we haven’t tested them, but they are a luxe choice if you’re considering full-leg coverage.
Specs Weight 1.2 pounds Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year WIRED
- Seven compression levels
- Portable
- TSA-friendly for carry-on
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- Limited calf coverage
- Can be noisy
- Requires frequent charging
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Best Portable Massager
The Chirp RPM Mini is a handheld massager that combines rolling and percussive therapy. It’s essentially like an electric rolling pin for your entire body, featuring three speed settings and a multi-grip handle. This cordless device is equipped with six free-spinning massage heads, 24 massage nodes, and nonabrasive rollers that won’t pinch your skin. While it’s effective for the whole body, I particularly enjoy using it on my calves, biceps, forearms, and palms. I find it to be gentler and more soothing on my smaller muscle groups compared to percussive guns.
The battery life is impressive as well, lasting up to four hours on a single charge. I don’t think it justifies the price tag of $150, but it’s TSA-approved for carry-on and comes with a carrying case.
Specs Weight 1.8 pounds Battery Life ~4 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year WIRED
- Multi-grip handle with non-abrasive rollers
- Offers full-body relief
- Portable with a soft travel case
- TSA-friendly for carry-on
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- Only 3 speeds
- Limited deep tissue massage capability
- No wall adapter included
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Best for Lower Back Pain
If you experience daily aches or a sore lower back, a heated wrap is helpful, and a vibrating one is even better. The Venom 2 Back provides consistent heat distribution across the lower back with three adjustable levels (113, 122, and 131 degrees Fahrenheit) that can be paired with three vibration patterns. It’s great for back pain relief and warm-ups before mobility workouts, as it stimulates circulation and loosens the muscles in your lower back. I especially appreciate the auto-shut-off function, which lets me sit back and relax, knowing I don’t have to worry about turning it off. Too much heat can intensify muscle soreness or cause inflammation, and we don’t want that.
Specs Weight 2.3 pounds Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year WIRED
- Connects via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app
- Breathable neoprene wrap and silicone surface
- TSA-friendly for carry-on
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- Vibration therapy is not as powerful as heat
- Limited battery life
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Best for Knee Pain
Commerce director Martin Cizmar injured his knee while undertaking an “extremely large and ambitious cleaning project” and endured the pain for nearly a year before discovering a solution. The HeatPulse Knee Massager 2 from Hydragun wraps around the joint and provides a blend of heat and vibration massage therapy. It can heat up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, is rechargeable via USB-C, and features seven temperature settings along with three massage speeds. Martin mentions that he sets both options to maximum and relaxes until it shuts off automatically (after 30 minutes). The best part is its longer straps, allowing use on shoulders or larger limbs, along with a newly designed buckle suitable for slimmer limbs like elbows.
PS: Consult a physician or physical therapist before self-treating any injuries.
Specs Weight 0.66 pounds Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 18 months WIRED
- Seven temperature and 3 speed settings
- Adjustable straps for larger limbs and a buckle design for elbows
- TSA-friendly for carry-on
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- Only comes in one size
- Takes 3 to 4 hours to fully charge
- Exclusively sold on the company site
Compare Top 8 Massagers
Honorable Mention
HoMedics Shiatsu + Air 4.0 Foot Massager with Heat for $140: This foot massager combines shiatsu-style kneading and air compression to better your circulation. I pop my toesies in and out (with socks on) of this massage tool during the work day, and it feels fabulous, with three intensities and three patterns. It fits feet up to a men’s size 13 and is compact enough to tuck under a desk or coffee table when not in use. The advertised heat function didn’t work for me, quite literally; I didn’t feel any warmth, but I still appreciate its place under my desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Massage Is Best for Muscle Tension?
A deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It usually involves slower kneading and firm pressure to break down adhesions that can impair circulation and cause discomfort. This type of muscle massage is especially therapeutic for individuals with chronic tension, muscle pain, or postural problems.
Tools like massage balls, foam rollers (like the Therabody WaveRoller for $180), and percussion massagers reach those deeper layers and provide targeted pressure to relax trigger points. We have a guide on the Best Massage Guns, but some of our favorites include: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 ($229), Theragun Pro Plus ($625), and Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun ($90).
I spent eight months (and counting) testing dozens of massagers across a variety of categories, including (but not limited to) percussive therapy guns, foot massagers, and compression goggles.
To assess performance in everyday situations, I incorporated them into regular routines: post-workout recovery, desk-bound workdays, and nighttime wind-downs. I evaluated each device based on build quality, ease of use, and overall value. This involved checking motor strength and consistency, battery life (if applicable), the functionality of extra features, and how effectively each massager targets specific muscle groups. I also considered individual body types and sensitivities.
Lastly, I prioritized long-term reliability and customer support. This meant reviewing warranty policies, user reviews, and brand transparency.
What Are We Testing Next?
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