Best Massage Guns in Australia 2021 | finder.com.au
finder.com.au

Best massage guns in Australia for 2021

Level up your fitness regimen with this new-gen recovery tool.

See the list
woman using a massage gun
Isobel Larkin
Isobel Larkin
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

Over the last couple of years, portable massage guns have skyrocketed in popularity. If you're looking to try the fitness recovery tool, we've rounded up the best ones below.

The best massage guns in Australia

How we picked these massage guns

Our editorial team chose the following massage guns after conducting extensive research, reading real customer reviews and drawing on personal experience. For each category, we carefully selected criteria based on our research and identified the massage guns that ranked best within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Best high-end massage gun: Theragun PRO

Theragun PRO

✅ Powerful

✅ Expansive features

❌ Weighty at 1.3kg

❌ On the expensive side

Price (RRP): $899

Buy at Theragun
Buy at Rebel Sport
Buy at David Jones

Why we chose it: The Theragun PRO isn't just our pick for best high-end massage gun, it's also our choice for features. Designed with professional therapists and athletes in mind, this commercial-grade device comes with a progress-tracking app and six attachments. It offers 300 minutes total usage, with charging taking 75 minutes. Read our review of the Theragun Pro.

Best overall massage gun: Hyperice Hypervolt

Hyperice Hypervolt

✅ Five attachments

✅ Cordless

❌ Expensive

❌ Case must be purchased separately

Price (RRP): $599.95

Buy at The Iconic

Why we chose it: Compared to other massage guns, the Hyperice Hypervolt is very quiet, making it a discrete choice for use while watching television or at the gym. It's also used by NBA players and other athletes including tennis pro, Naomi Osaka. It has five attachments and charges via wall socket to provide up to three hours of usage.

Best mid-range massage gun: HYDRAGUN Quietest Massage Gun

HYDRAGUN Quietest Massage Gun

✅ Excellent value

✅ 6-hour battery life

❌ 3-5 hour charge time

❌ No app-integration

Price (RRP): $399

Why we chose it: When it comes to mid-range value, we can't go past this one. It comes with six attachments and has a huge six-hour battery life. It's made from sturdy aluminium and the aesthetically minded will also appreciate its elegant, minimal style. The HYDRAGUN Quietest Massage Gun scored 5 stars from 203 reviews on its own website.

Best massage gun for travel: Theragun Mini

Theragun Mini

✅ Lightweight

✅ Good battery life

❌ Lack of attachments

❌ Difficult to use on back due to small size

Price (RRP): $349

Buy at Theragun
Buy at Bing Lee

Why we chose it: Weighing in at just 650g, this one is very portable and easily tossed into your gym or weekend bags. It has decent battery life (150 minutes) and offers three speed choices at 1,750, 2,100 or 2,400 percussions per minute. It comes with just one attachment but is compatible with other fourth generation Theragun attachments.

Best for power: TimTam Tech Power Massager Pro

TimTam Tech Power Massager Pro

✅ Powerful

✅ Heated tip

❌ Expensive

❌ Complex features need some understanding before use

Price (RRP): $749.95

Why we chose it: Bearing an uncanny resemblance to a power drill, the TimTam Tech Power Massager looks like it means business. With a maximum rate of 2,800 strokes per minute, it's currently the most powerful massage gun on the market. Uniquely, it has a heated tip to soften and relax muscles. It makes an excellent choice for professional masseuses or those doing high-level sports training.

Best cheap massage gun: HoMedics Physio Massage Gun

HoMedics Physio Massage Gun

✅ Three massage heads

✅ Charges via USB

❌ Only one hour battery life

❌ Short handle makes reaching your own back difficult

Price (RRP): $99.95

Buy at Bing Lee
Buy at The Good Guys

Why we chose it

For one that's solid overall, we can't go past this buy. With a one-touch control, it's unfussy to use and comes with three attachments for customising your massage. It's compact and weighs under 1kg.

It provides powerful percussion therapy at up to 3,000RPM, has a 4.5 average star rating based on 78 reviews on The Good Guys and 90% of buyers recommend the product.

Methodology

  • We compared massage guns found at major retailers and online stores across Australia.
  • Our editorial team examined customer reviews and ratings as well as expert appraisals and our own personal experience.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

What's a massage gun?

Massage guns are electronic tools with percussive or vibrating arms that deliver pressure into muscles. They assist post-workout recovery, reduce soreness and improve flexibility.

In 2009, the first iteration of the massage gun was launched by Los Angeles-based chiropractor, Jason Wersland, who went on to found Theragun. However, it wasn't until recent years that the concept has really taken off. There's now a huge variety of massage guns on the market.

What are the benefits of a massage gun?

As the technology is new, evidence backing its benefits is largely anecdotal at this stage. However, a 2014 study delivered promising results, finding vibration therapy can help prevent and treat delayed onset muscle soreness (AKA 'DOMS').

"Massage guns are said to be helpful in improving muscle recovery, muscle range and flexibility; and reducing stiffness and pain," physiotherapist and Chief Operating Officer of Sydney Physios and Allied Health Services, Patricia Issa, tells Finder.

"They definitely have a place in recovery and performance. Studies show that use in a warm-up regimen can optimise the flexibility of an athlete without losing muscle performance. What that means is more flexibility without affecting strength."

Is a massage gun for you?

Patricia says that while massage guns are excellent tools, it's important to note they're not for everyone.

"I would recommend seeking advice from a health professional such as a physiotherapist to ensure appropriate use. If used incorrectly, or if one has underlying medical conditions, there is some evidence of negative reactions such as severe hematoma (bruising) and, in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)," says Patricia.

What features do the best massage guns have?

  • Battery life. The best devices have a battery life of at least three hours.
  • Multiple attachments. Having a selection of attachments allows you to effectively target different muscles.
  • Power. "Stall force" measures how much pressure you can apply with the massage gun before it stalls. For an intense massage, choose a device with a higher stall force.
  • Speed. The best massage guns offer a variety of speeds (RPM) but keep in mind, a higher RPM doesn't always mean a better massage. A heavier power setting combined with a lower speed will deliver a stronger massage.
  • Noise. When massage guns were first introduced, they were noisy. These days, the better models are very quiet.
  • Quality. This is important if you want your investment to last, so you can get maximum results from it. You also don't want it breaking mid-massage while treating a sore spot.
  • Reviews. As the technology is in a rapid stage of growth, innovation is constant and there are often new models being launched. This, combined with their high cost, means there can be limited reviews available, but they're still important to check.
  • Warranty. A longer warranty ensures you can easily get a return or replacement if issues arise. Remember though, you still have rights under the Australian Consumer Law regardless of whether the warranty is still in force.

Alternatives to massage guns

Manual handheld massager

Manual handheld massagers made from plastic, timber or rubber offer a no-frills way to massage and trigger points. From $5, they're inexpensive but much effort is required for use.

Vibration massager

Simple vibration massagers cost around $12 to $20 and provide a buzzing feeling on the skin which may be soothing. Once again, they generally don't provide the same effectiveness as a massage gun.

Foam roller

From $8, foam rollers are a cheap option for manually relieving muscle tension and improving range. They do require a lot of manual labour as the user must physically roll back and forth.

Remedial massage

Remedial massage is manual application of pressure to muscles by a trained massage therapist. At $55 to $110 a pop, it can be expensive for ongoing treatment. However, you'll be looked after by someone with extensive knowledge of human anatomy.

Massage chair

At over $200 for basic models to $2,000 (and beyond) for upmarket options, these luxurious gadgets have electronic kneading nodes. They provide a relaxing experience, but generally lack targeted power.

Pros and cons of massage guns

Pros

  • Might aid post-workout recovery
  • Could reduce muscle soreness and tension
  • Could help increase muscle range
  • Portable
  • DIY, so no need to attend appointments (social-distancing friendly!)
  • Cost-effective when used long-term

Cons

  • Often expensive
  • Must be charged
  • Some models are bulky

Frequently asked questions

Are cheap massage guns any good?

There are options out there which still offer a great experience. Spending more will generally get you better quality and more extensive features.

Is a massage gun better than a foam roller?

Foam rollers were previously the ultimate DIY massage tool. However, massage guns are generally easier to use and more effective due to penetrating deeper into the muscle.

What setting should I use my massage gun on?

Start slowly on the lowest setting until you've worked out your tolerance levels and have become familiar with the device.

How often should you use a massage gun?

Theragun recommends its customers use their guns two to three times a day for a maximum of two minutes at a time per muscle group. Besides helping post-workout recovery, they're also good to use before and during a workout to activate muscles.

Back to top

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site